Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a Zone of Special Operation (ZOSO) in Greenwich Town, St Andrew.

In making the announcement a short while ago, Holness said the move is to improve safety and security in the area, which he noted is facing increasing gang-related violence.

The community falls in the St Andrew South Police Division, which is already under a state of public emergency.

Holness said despite a reduction in other crimes, the area is still plagued by murders and shootings.

He said that the violence is being influenced by gangs, dons, and guns.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson disclosed that for the first six months of the year, there were seven murders in Greenwich Town including two double murders.

In the meantime, he pointed to the success of ZOSOs.

He said in Denham Town, for example, there have been a 30 per cent reduction in murders and a 60 per cent reduction in shootings. 

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