Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Some studies show that if you live in a low-income country, you are more likely to become the victim of crime than if you live in a rich country. Sounds logical, right? But here's something interesting: Nicaragua has one of the lowest incomes in the region, yet it also has one of the lowest homicide rates in Central America. … [Read more...] about How effective is community-based policing? The case of Nicaragua.
Caribbean development
Controversial Tactics
Imagine that you're walking calmly down a street with your partner one night. Suddenly, and without any reason at all, the police stop you, question you and carry out a full body search of you and your partner. That seems too intrusive, no? That is what's called “stop and frisk,” an aggressive search that is one of the more controversial tactics used by police … [Read more...] about Controversial Tactics
Five elements of a true community police force
The tragic events in Ferguson have placed police practices at the center of a debate in the United States over their model and whether the police have become too militarized. In fact, the White House is seeking to promote community policing tactics and President Obama has created a special commission to make recommendations for a 21st Century police force. The same … [Read more...] about Five elements of a true community police force
We visited a citizen security program in Jamaica and this is what we learned
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Author, D Ramey Logan “The biggest headache is getting the men to walk away from certain things,” says Adenike Stephenson, when asked what gave her the most difficulties at her job as regional coordinator for the Citizen Security and Justice Program. … [Read more...] about We visited a citizen security program in Jamaica and this is what we learned
Battle of the Sexes – Who is Underachieving?
Yes, it’s true. A higher percentage of girls than boys obtain passes in the regional Caribbean Secondary Education Council/CSEC Examinations (used as a secondary school leaving exam) in most subject areas. However, in key subjects such as mathematics, more than half of all Jamaican candidates failed in 2013, regardless of sex. Though boys underperform in relation to … [Read more...] about Battle of the Sexes – Who is Underachieving?