“The level of crime in Jamaica is intolerable and abnormal”, was the
sentiment shared by head of the Crime and Security Portfolio, Deputy Commissioner of Police
(DCP) Fitz Bailey, speaking at a press briefing on wanted persons at his Kingston office today.

According to the Crime and Security head, the individuals who contribute to crime in
the nation totall approximately 200 and he listed 90 of the ones who are currently most wanted for
serious crimes.

“They have engaged in murder, extortion, rape [among others], I appeal to these individuals who
are wanted by the police to turn themselves in, I also appeal to their relatives to encourage them to
surrender to the police,” said DCP Bailey. He added, “I also appeal to citizens within the various
communities to encourage these individuals to report or hand themselves in to the police.”

According to DCP Bailey, criminals are using threats and violence to perpetuate fear and
intimidation in the lives of citizens and business owners.

“The underlying objective [of criminals] is for economic benefits, turf control and status and the
Commissioner of Police has been consistent in trying to bring across the message that the situation
we are seeing in Jamaica is not normal”, said DCP Bailey. He continued, “failure to compy with
the edicts of these criminals can result in serious consequences including the burning down of
businesses, violent attacks against workers and family members of these businesses”.

In addressing the spate of crime islandwide, DCP Bailey said the police will not back down from
their responsibilities but lobbies for a serious look at the criminal justice system as well.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that this nation is secure, that citizens enjoy an environment
that is free from crime and the fear of crime but there are some institutional issues that need to be
dealt with and these are outside the scope of the police…we cannot look at the police in
isolation,” said DCP Bailey.

Meanwhile, DCP Bailey is reminding the public that harbouring a fugitive is a crime and says that
the police will ensure that those harbouring them will face prosecution.

Citizens are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Branch at 876-929-9256, Crime Stop at
311, Operation Kingfish at 811, Police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station to
share information on the whereabouts of wanted persons.

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