The local authorities have announced that the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) that was declared in Westmoreland has resulted in a decline in crime.

Wayne Josephs, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), outlined that shootings have declined by 50 per cent since ZOSO was declared in the parish.

He said: “In 2021, that area had 10 shootings, and for that period of 2022 that area had five shootings, so you see the zone really made a big difference. Apart from that, when you talk to the people, when you go into the area, you can see that they are appreciative of the fact that the zone is in the area.”

Josephs noted that recently imposed security measure has resulted in residents walking freely in areas that were previously controlled by gangs.

“There are areas where persons couldn’t cross boundaries and borders, couldn’t cross particular roads, and so on, and the zone has afforded that to be taking place in the space,” he said.

He further noted that the measures have also fostered a relationship between residents and the police.

“Since the zone has been there, persons have become civil towards the security forces because they appreciate them being in the area, because people can now walk about freely. They can coexist without any war or animosity,” he noted.

Fostering a relationship between the police and residents

Josephs also outlined that the Community Safety and Security Branch (CCCB) has played an instrumental role in forging partnerships with residents and stakeholders in the space.

He expressed that: “We have our Community Safety and Security Branch that goes in and has interventions with people…. So… now that the joint police-military team is in there and the area is not so toxic, the police go in to establish relationships with the people by facilitating dialogue, and the feedback has been good.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared ZOSO in Savanna-la-Mar on January 16, 2022.

The security measure was imposed in communities such as Russia, Darling Street and Dexter Street.

–Jamaica Information Service