Crime crackdowns will not ease Jamaica's security woes

Significance Although initially reluctant to use SOEs when he took office in March 2016, Holness has increasingly relied on SOEs and Zones of Special Operation (ZOSO) since 2017 to tackle Jamaica’s high levels of violence and murders. Impacts Holness will come under increasing pressure to bring forward the 2025 general elections. Debates over the balance between civil liberties and the need for enhanced security measures under SOEs will persist. SOEs and associated measures may negatively impact crime rates and community trust in law enforcement. Stakeholders will seek to push back on foreign government travel advisories depicting Jamaica as a dangerous destination.