The National Security Council has advanced discussions regarding the Enhanced Security Measures law.
It is being designed to empower the security forces with the tools deemed necessary to disrupt criminal networks, reduce violence and increase public order.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Friday chaired the monthly sitting of the NSC.
Holness noted that the overall crime rate is comparatively lower than the same period in 2018 but expressed concerns regarding the unacceptable levels of murders and shootings across the country.
Arising out of the context of the discontinuation of the States of Public Emergency (SOE), the Prime Minister proposed a new legislative framework, giving intermediate and specific powers to the security forces.
A statement from the OPM says the main elements of the framework for the draft enhanced security measures legislation were agreed.
These included conditions that must exist to trigger and sustain the measures, system of accountability and judicial recourse to protect the rights of citizens, specific powers provided, such as search and detention, as well as persons designated with responsibility for use of such powers.
The statement says the government considers this an important piece of legislation and is moving towards its completion.
It adds that notwithstanding the proposed new legislation, the Prime Minister emphasized that the use of the state of public emergency is still a viable option to be implemented for the safety and protection of the people.
Additionally, the council reviewed the progress that has been made with other legislation which will contribute to improvements in national security. These included inter alia: amendments to the criminal justice act, firearms act, proceeds of crime and bail acts.
The council also received a presentation from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), to examine measures to improve border security and reduce Jamaica’s vulnerability to transnational crime.
This included a review of current operations, security arrangements and capacity gaps, and concluded with recommendations to further build the capacity of pica and enhance the security of the country’s ports.