A new unit is to be formed within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to help secure witnesses to crimes.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields told The Gleaner yesterday that the new initiative, called the Justice Support Unit, is part of new crime-fighting strategies to c****at the surge in the problem.

"If a witness doesn't qualify for the witness protection scheme, we will be able to give support to the witnesses and the investigators," he said.

The unit will also link witnesses with social and welfare agencies to ensure that other needs are addressed.

"For example, if a witness needs to embark on a two-day exercise which is complex, we will be able to support these witnesses by providing police officers with funds and resources to take care of the witness," Shields said.

Advertising internally

He told The Gleaner that the Jamaica Constabulary Force would be advertising internally for a superintendent to take charge of the new unit within a month, after which the composition of the squad would be determined.

The crime chief also reported that the JCF would seek to train more police personnel to function in covert operations as witnesses in cases. However, they would not replace civilian witnesses.

Shields also said that there would be more reliance on forensic and other technological applications.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations Development Programme yesterday call for all stakeholders in Jamaica to help stem the illegal use and flow of small arms in the country.

In a joint press release, the groups drew attention to the recently published report, The Impact of Small Arms on Children and Adolescents in Central America and the Caribbean.

That report indicates that the Latin America and Caribbean region has the highest rates of armed violence in the world and 42 per cent of all homicides globally.

The report states further that small arms are widely available in the region and the trade in arms is highly lucrative, with a US$3.5-$10.1-million (J$248.5-$717 million) market for the legal trade and much more for the illegal trade.

The groups called for greater emphasis on preventive efforts, including strengthening of parenting skills, constructive lifestyles promotion and male-image building.