Ten times more traffic tickets issued in St James

Errant motorists in St James have been feeling the impact of the state of public emergency, with more than 20,000 traffic tickets issued during the period.

The number of tickets issued has risen tenfold when compared to the corresponding period last year.

"We have decided that it is the little things that matter, so if we deal with things like traffic violations, people will understand that this is a law-abiding town and people must respect the law," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Ealan Powell.

He stated that 20,186 tickets have been issued for various offences under the Road Traffic Act, up from about 2,000 over the corresponding period last year.

"The work has just started. We have to continue... . We want to ensure that we change people's attitude to law and order. That is how we are going to get a very safe community," Powell said.

The assistant commissioner said there has been a 72 per cent decrease in murders since the start of the state of public emergency. In addition, shootings have dropped by 54 per cent from 61 to 28. Some 201 persons have been arrested and charged with various offences.

Some 49 firearms, 15 of which are high-powered rifles, have been taken off the streets of St James since January 18, when the state of public emergency was instituted in the parish. More than 2,000 rounds of ammunition have also been seized.