ZOSO has put lid on Norwood murders – senior cop
Published:Wednesday | October 13, 2021 | 12:11 AM
WESTERN BUREAU:
Although murders in St James have increased by more than 38 per cent year-on-year, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Chambers, the commander for Area One, says more people would have been killed in the parish had the zone of special operations (ZOSO) not been established in Norwood.
Chambers said that there have not been any major crimes in the volatile community, a hub of the wanton lawlessness plaguing St James, since the ZOSO was imposed on June 20.
“The desired intention in terms of no crime has been achieved. In terms of (the disruption of) free movement of criminals or persons who have a criminal interest or intent, that has been achieved, and in terms of clearing the space to facilitate development, that has been achieved,” explained Chambers.
With two and a half months remaining in 2021, St James has recorded 122 murders.
Norwood accounted for 15 of the 79 murders committed in the parish up to the date of the ZOSO implementation.
According to Chambers, the clear and hold phases, which are within the purview of law enforcers, have been widely successful, especially in relation to the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition. Additionally, several alleged criminals have been arrested and charged.
The Area One top cop also revealed that there are 13 active gangs operating in the areas under the jurisdiction of the Montego Hills Police Station. The communities include Norwood, Salt Spring, and Paradise.
Omar Sweeney, deputy chairman of the social intervention arm of the ZOSO, supports the view that the security forces have made a positive impact, paving the way for social intervention under the ‘build phase’.
“We will have a consultation meeting at the end of October for them to give their feedback to the committee about the type of programmes that we wanted to push,” said Sweeney, managing director of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund.