The Commissioner says they have been tasked to deal with the problem decisively. We don’t know what that entails at this point but in the press conference Police Commissioner Jeffries says he feels that the gang warriors are trying to hurt his crime statistics. You will recall that in mid-December Jeffries held a press conference sort of boasting that he would end the year with a decline in the murder rate. Well he says the criminals heard him and responded.
Crispin Jeffries, Commissioner of Police
“As you will all know, since the middle of December we have been seeing an increase in street violence. Despite efforts made, this clearly indicated that things are not as good as we would like them to be. Despite our statements to suggest that statistical figures are not what they were last year as it related to murder, it seem to have incensed some persons out there to want to see whether they can top the figure for 2008.
Last night’s incident has claimed the life of yet another teenager. My concern is whether or not those persons out there bent on beating the statistical figures are more concerned about the statistics than their own lives. But it is not for me to dictate that. The truth is that we are very much into the investigation of last night’s incident and we’ve already detained, questioned, and recorded a statement from a person who we believe is some substance in last night’s incident.
We will see the sustained effort that we have been making since the start of the Christmas season and that will be intensified. We are aware of the players out there and no holds will be barred. We will make every effort, we will take the situation under control and we will produce some results.”
