By Anthony G. Stewart, PhD
The crime minister, the minister responsible for the prevention, detection of crime and bringing criminals to justice, has been on the job since 2001. Political science is a common field of study but so many politicians have become embroiled in corruption that they want to shun the name. It is a challenge to change one’s practice from defending criminals to one of prosecuting criminals.
Many solutions to our crime problem were expounded but most failed apparently because of poor implementation. Many of us may have excellent ideas, some from encyclopedias, but it takes youth, vigour, will and guts to implement them. Our feeble war on crime may have included the following:
- Criminals against crime. This is where criminals are allowed to kill each other with the hope that none will be left standing.
- Pan Against Crime. This is the engagement of individuals particularly males in the production of pan music.
- Sports Against Crime. This involves young people in various sporting activities with the hope that they would stay away from crime.
- Tourism against crime. This creates a climate where people are gainfully employed in the tourism industry.
- Church against crime. People are encouraged by their God to develop good moral code by which they live.
- Education against crime. People learn to settle disputes through dialogue. Schools teach students how to live and how to make a living.
- Homes against crime. Families teach their children to respect themselves and also to respect others and their property.
- Workplace against crime. Promotion by merit according to education and experience creates an atmosphere of fairness.
- Judges against crime. Timely judgements deter criminal behaviour.
- Money against crime. Giving people money with the hope that they would behave themselves.
- Health against crime. Provision of adequate mental health services including psychiatrists and psychologists.
- Jobs against crime. Create an employment agency to employ those who are willing to work.
- Clubs against crime. Encourage individuals to join groups according to their interests.
The war against crime needs a standing army. This is serious business and success cannot be guaranteed with volunteer help only. Consequently, a special unit should be set up called the Prime Prevention Squad. Although they may need basic police training, they could be assigned to their various positions upon completion. Members should be given specialised training to function in their various areas.
- Crime Prevention Squad:
- steelpan arranger/builder/tuner
- coach/sports teacher/sports facilities maintenance
- beach ranger/swim coach/lifeguard
- guidance counsellor
- social worker/family therapist
- promotion ombudsman
- employment agency (all entitlements)
- health (psychiatrist, psychologist, rehab coach)
- national youth counsellor (clubs)
- park ranger
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