POLICE today outlined details of a 16-step anti-crime strategy in attempt to gain greater public confidence and cooperation in its fight against increased crime and violence.

The steps outlined in a statement from Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) included targeting gang activity in schools, covert anti-gang operations and more aggressive policing on the island's road network.

"In order for these policing activities to work and ensure the safety and security of all Jamaicans it is important that citizens continue to support the police by sharing information about criminal activities even where those involved are related to them. It is also crucial that all Jamaicans obey the laws of the land and resist temptations to take part in any illegal activities which offer financial or other benefits," said the statement. The police also warned that criminals put not just themselves at greater risk of violence abut also their own family members and associates.

"A criminal offender in the household is an immediate security threat to the entire family," said the police.

We make a public appeal to all to conduct your affairs in accordance with the laws and allow the police to perform their duty in protecting you in your homes and communities.

The 16 steps are as follows:

1.    High visibility uniformed patrols and presence in communities and commercial areas to re-assure citizens while deterring criminal activities.

2.    Covert patrols and presence to surprise and apprehend criminals with evidence.

3.    Coordinated stop or search activities; vehicle check points and road blocks to disrupt criminals movements, while intercepting the movement of guns, drugs and stolen commodities.

4.    Aggressive road policing and traffic law enforcement to reduce criminal activity on public transport, curtail breaches of the road traffic act and; reduce traffic accidents.

5.    Operations in crime hotspots to reduce criminal violence, arson and intimidation.

6.    Coordinated activities to disrupt, displace and apprehend gang members with evidence sufficient to secure convictions.

7.    Expansion of community-based policing in stable communities to deliver consistent police services to citizens.

8.    Expansion of the School Safety Programme to reduce school violence, drug abuse and the influence of criminal gangs in schools.

9.    Proactive investigation, targeting crimes for profit such as narcotics trafficking; gun running; extortion/protection rockets; illegal trading in contraband and counterfeit goods; illegal gambling and involvement of children in criminal activities.

10.    Re-active investigations aimed at improving cleared up rates for homicides, shootings, robbery, break-ins, larceny and sexual offences.

11.    Targeted policing to secure and boost confidence in critical sectors such as tourism; agriculture; construction, commerce and transportation.

12.    Expansion of peace building partnerships in collaboration with the Peace Management Initiative; local authorities; community-based groups and Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

13.    Expansion of the Police Youth Club and Mentorship programme aimed at diverting vulnerable young persons from involvement in criminal gang activities.

14.    Nuisance Abatement programmes aimed at illegal vending; overnight parking; night noise control and; curtailing of 'hooligan behaviour'. This also includes the banning of some regularly staged dances and parties that disturb the peace and tranquility in communites.

15.    The expansion of our intelligence input to investigative and operational policing to achieve greater focus on the critical crime targets such as gangs; trafficking syndicates, groups at risks and crime hotspots.

16.    A programme of nationally driver strategies have been rolled out to confront major crime challenges which transcend division boundaries and in some cases national borders. These include:

• Counter-narcotics control strategy
• National gun control programme
• Anti-extortion strategy
• Anti-kidnapping strategy
• Praedial larceny prevention strategy
• Pro-active investigation strategy
• Stolen motor vehicle recovery strategy
• Telephone fraud ('Lotto Scam') control strategy
• Road policing and anti-crime strategy
• Cyber crime strategy