The Police High Command says it is concerned about discussions to end the State of Emergency in St. James, when it has proven effective.

In a release, the JCF’s Communications arm says at least fifty-four lives have been saved, since the inception of the emergency powers in St. James.

It states that to date, 18 of those who were wanted have been arrested, all of whom peacefully surrendered to the security forces, and have been brought before the court.

The police high command adds that one thousand seven hundred and twenty four persons have been processed since the start of the state of emergency and of that number, 133 have been charged—with 56 being charged with major crimes to include 22 for murder, 19 for shooting, 12 for robbery and six for rape.

The release notes that the perpetrator profile is largely youth between 15 and 25 years, and of the 22 charged for murder, two are under the statutory age of adulthood.

The police high command says the feedback to the police has been positive and the greatest area of concern being aired by citizens is the premature ending of the emergency powers, as this is the safest they have felt in years.

Public Defender Arlene Harrison Henry has reportedly called for a rapid end to the state of emergency in St. James.