[Facilitator's Note: The e-Discussion on the GOJ draft Crime Prevention and Community Safety Strategy is now open for comments. The launch message, including the discussion questions follow.  The discussion is open until March 28, 2010. ]

Dear Colleagues:
I am pleased to invite you to participate in an e-discussion launched by MNS to give community members the opportunity to share their views on issues related to the draft Crime Prevention and Community Safety Strategy.

Background

The Government of Jamaica has committed to developing an inter-departmental Crime Prevention and Community Safety strategy.  This is in recognition of the need for a more integrated multi-stakeholder approach to the safety challenges facing citizens and communities.  The MNS Crime Prevention and Community Safety Branch has begun to work with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to develop this inter-departmental strategy utilizing a participatory and coherent approach that will result in the implementation of policies designed to prevent crime, reduce violence, particularly youth and gang related violence.

The development process of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Strategy is led by the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Branch in the MNS Policy Directorate.  A core resource team has been established including members from the JCF, MNS, PIOJ and SDC. 

Initial consultations have been held with stakeholder groups at a launch Feb 10 & 11. These consultations are continuing at the individual agency level within the month of March. It is envisaged that a draft strategy should be completed for consideration in April 2010.

As a way of widening the consultative process I am inviting feedback and inputs from individuals on the draft Crime Prevention & Community Safety Strategy.  I am particularly interested in comments

• on the possibilities for joined up approaches,
•  current best practices (evidence please),
• the main social problems on which this strategy should focus; and 
• the possibilities for early actions.

I look forward to a dynamic and productive discussion.

Regards

Courtney Brown,

Director, Crime Prevention and Community Safety

Ministry of National Security         

NOTE:

You may send your comments by using either of the following 2 options:

 By email: crimeprevention@jamaicapartnersforpeace.org in the subject line type "Draft crime prevention and communication strategy".

Or

To reply directly click here

Sandra Latibeaudiere

JamPfP Facilitator