DCP Bailey Calls Gang Prosecutions One of His Career’s Greatest Achievements | RJR News

By Racquel Porter

Less than a month before ending four decades in police service, Deputy Police Chief Fitz Bailey says prosecuting multiple gangs is one of his greatest achievements.

Just this week, Prime Minister Andrew Holness pointed to a nearly 50 percent reduction in the number of gangs operating in the country, from more than 380 to around 185.

DCP Bailey indicated that this improvement is due to a partnership with the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigations Branch (CTOC).

“We started focusing on the gang as an organization. With the focus on the gang as a criminal organization, I think what we are now benefiting from, in terms of the homicide reduction that we are seeing, coupled with other initiatives, I think that is one of the most impactful achievements because a significant (number) of the gangs have been impacted,” he said, adding that the goal is to disrupt the gangs and hope that “the message gets across.”

DCP Bailey acknowledged that the gangs are disintegrating, but said continued pressure on criminal networks will eventually lead to the dismantling of organised groups.

The chief officer noted that more than 60 percent of murders are committed by gangs and said the crime portfolio is now more focused on gangs.

“The men and women who work within the Criminal Investigations Division now have a direction, a focus, a strategic focus and I think if they stick to the strategy, stick to the plan, it will result in a greater reduction in crime and ultimately a better Jamaica.”

The Deputy Commissioner was speaking to Radio Jamaica St Catherine correspondent Devon Fletcher following a farewell ceremony at the National Police College in Twickenham Park, St Catherine on Friday.

‘Thoughtful and decisive’

Meanwhile, former Crown Prosecution Service Chief Paula Llewellyn, looking back on her 16-year tenure, said DCP Bailey was not afraid to challenge her in legal disputes.

Mrs Llewellyn, who also attended her retirement ceremony, said the conversation nurtured a professional friendship.

“It was as DPP that we stood together in the trenches in the public interest, Mr Bailey and his team and my team, that we really cemented what I can say will be a lifelong friendship. Mr Bailey is proactive. He is decisive, which is something I admire about his leadership style. And I would commend it to all of you. He is not prepared to hold a candle to the road and look the other way. No matter how difficult the challenge, he is thoughtful and he will think about it, consult, collaborate and then make a decision, one way or another,” she said.

Ms Llewellyn recalled prosecuting gang members including those from the notorious One Don Gang and Tesha Miller, and described DCP Bailey as intellectually sharp. She added that his determination and “sheer professional experience” helped secure convictions.