By KEN ALI
Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO), which are being introduced in Trinidad and Tobago, have been successful in Jamaica, where they have been used since 2017.
The fellow Caribbean country reported dramatic decreases in gang violence in high-crime hotspots after the measure was implemented by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Overall, crime fell by 73 per cent in ZOSO-designated areas, with murders in the seven key communities declining by 40 per cent, and shootings in violence-torn St. James being reduced by 75 per cent.
Attorney General John Jeremie is due to pilot legislation on Friday to introduce ZOSOs, aimed at locking in and building on the 42 per cent decline in murders last year compared to 2024.
The goal is to strengthen the rule of law and public order.
Official policies and intelligence-driven law enforcement under the State of Emergency (SoE) contributed to the reduction in crime, including assaults and home invasions.
The introduction of ZOSOs add to the Stand-Your-Ground legislation and other measures to combat the crime scourge.
“Clear, hold and build” is the policing strategy used in ZOSOs to achieve crime suppression.
The Jamaican example is quite instructive.
In seven crime-plagued communities (West Kingston, Norwood, Mount Salem, Greenwich Town, Parade Gardens, August Town, and Savanna-la-Mar), there has been continued lower violence.
In four of those districts, the homicide rate reached historic lows, and public officials spoke of “transformed communities.”
ZOSOs were tied into social programmes.
Such initiatives are also part of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s comprehensive anti-crime package.
A few other countries, including Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam and El Salvador, have similar initiatives, with different names.
They have all reported successes.
In T&T, the UNC administration has announced plans to address the root causes of crime, including poverty and drug addiction, and to provide support and rehabilitation for ex-offenders.
The ZOSO legislation aims at permitting security force occupation in certain geographically defined areas.
