Opposition spokesman on National Security Senator Peter Bunting says the use of members of the Jamaica Defence Force cannot efficiently make up for the shortfall in the number of police officers, tackling crime.

According to him, the government has failed to invest adequately in the Jamaica Constabulary Force and has opted to use the JDF in that shortfall.

Senator bunting adds that there are certain skills that JDF soldiers do not possess, which he believes are crucial in tackling crime.

He says the problem was made worse when the government also sought to push States of Emergency, to tackle crime, instead of investing more in the constabulary.

Senator bunting also argues, that the respect for the JDFhas also fallen, due to it’s constant use in Zones of Special Operations and States of Public Emergency.

He was speaking during an online forum hosted by the party’s youth organization yesterday.