We will not relent in arresting gang leaders - JCF
Published:Sunday | November 18, 2018 | 12:00 AMJason Cross/Gleaner Writer
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will not yield in its efforts to arrest and charge gang leaders and members under the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act (anti-gang law), a statement from the police has said.
The statement, issued November 17, indicated that the JCF has taken note of recent public disclosure coming out of last Tuesday's joint select committee meeting of Parliament at Gordon House, suggesting that the police were not making significant breakthroughs with the legislation in terms of convictions.
During Tuesday's sitting, which focused on the act, it was revealed that 448 persons have been arrested and charged, with only two convictions secured under the legislation.
The statement read, "With the hundreds of cases before the court, we await the successful outcome of some significant cases, in the expectation that gang activity and the proliferation of gangs will be impacted.
"The JCF is assuring the public that going forward, it will continue to use the provisions of this and other legislation to arrest and charge gang leaders and gang members. The strongest possible cases will be prepared and placed before the court. The JCF is committed to dealing with these protracted and complex investigations and will ensure that full enforcement of the law is done to cauterise gang activities islandwide."