The government is to introduce a new piece of legislation to tackle the scourge of crime and violence.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the plan while making his contribution in the budget debate in parliament this afternoon (Mar 21).

Mr. Holness says there has to be a concerted effort to tackle the crime monster.

The bill is entitled An Act to Provide for Special Measures for Upholding and Preserving the Rule of Law Public Order Citizen Security and Public Safety in Specific Geographic Areas of Jamaica and for Connected Matters.

Mr. Holness says previous efforts have had some measure of successes but this has been curtailed by the lack of a comprehensive legislative framework to support the work of the security forces.