Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, says an assessment is needed to determine if there is a link between deportees to Jamaica and the escalation in criminal activities, in the country.

Dr. Blake was responding to questions posed at day two of ‘The Violent Crime, and criminal violence in Jamaica and in the United States’ symposium, on Thursday.

He said, based on research conducted in the past, there is evidence to suggest that deportees to Jamaica, are involved to some extent, in criminal activities in the country.

He explained, however, that there is no substantial evidence which suggests just how pervasive that involvement has been.

As such he said, a more recent study needs to be conducted.