Westmoreland, Jamaica — Superintendent Othneil Dobson, commanding officer for the Westmoreland police, has recognized bike taxi and public passenger automobile (PPV) operators as vital offenders in circumstances of kid sexual abuse and different sexual crimes throughout the parish. Dobson made the disclosure through the Westmoreland Municipal Company’s (WMC) month-to-month assembly on Thursday, whereas presenting his newest crime report.
In accordance with Dobson, whereas the Jamaica Constabulary Power (JCF) recorded a 3 p.c nationwide decline in sexual assault circumstances in 2024, Westmoreland’s statistics confirmed minimal enchancment. Preliminary information signifies that the parish recorded 32 incidents of rape in 2024, one fewer than the 33 recorded in 2023.
Dobson highlighted a troubling development the place over 90 p.c of sexual assault circumstances contain male perpetrators recognized to the victims, together with organic family members and shut household buddies.
“Once you hear these numbers, it’s not a serial rapist. It’s usually any person that could be very near the household, and I’d say they account for 90-odd p.c of the rapes reported within the parish,” Dobson defined.
This disturbing dynamic complicates investigations, as households usually refuse to cooperate with regulation enforcement to defend perpetrators from authorized repercussions. Organisations such because the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Baby Abuse (CISOCA) have constantly raised alarms about this challenge, stressing that familial loyalty usually takes priority over justice for victims.
Dobson additionally expressed considerations concerning the function of motorbike taxi operators and public transport drivers in sexual crimes in opposition to kids, describing them as main perpetrators. Whereas particular statistics weren’t offered, he urged that these people exploit their interactions with weak kids to commit offenses.
“The bike taxi man that carries residence your little one, and the taxi man who carry residence your little one, continues to be the key perpetrators,” he stated, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and stricter oversight.
Dobson’s revelations come amid ongoing efforts by regulation enforcement to deal with sexual violence within the parish. His report sheds mild on the urgent want for better group consciousness, stricter regulation of transport operators, and stronger familial accountability in stopping little one sexual abuse.
Authorities proceed to induce households and group members to report suspected circumstances of abuse and to cooperate totally with investigations to deliver perpetrators to justice.
