The National Security Council (NSC) today presented to the public its Crime Reduction Strategy, a long-term strategy to cut crime in the Islands. The strategy was approved by Cabinet in May.
His Excellency the Governor Duncan Taylor, who chairs the NSC, called the document a “frank” report that calls for greater coordination and collaboration among ministries and departments as well as the private sector in delivering early intervention, prevention and rehabilitation programmes.
”This strategy addresses the causes of crime and not just crime. It is about reducing the risk of young people turning to a life of crime. It also aims to reduce the high rates of re-offending.”
The Hon. Premier McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP confirmed Cabinet’s support for the strategy, calling it a good effort.
He further urged the community to join the endeavour: “We can’t have police on every corner and at every bank’s door. Yes, they can patrol the hot spots, but people have to let police know what they know.”
The Premier also pointed out that the Crime Reduction Strategy is not a “quick fix and entails far more than just operational solutions.”
The strategy document was compiled by the NSC’s Crime Prevention Working Group with input from the civil service, public and the private sector. It also drew on previous reports including the 2006 Forde report on Pre-Disposing Factors to Criminality in the Cayman Island and reports by the private sector Prevention of Crime Group.
The Crime Reduction Strategy is available on www.gis.ky or www.gov.ky under Features.
