The Government is advancing a comprehensive evaluation of the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOS) to determine their effectiveness in the communities in which they have been established.

ZOSOS are in seven communities. They are Denham Town in West Kingston; Norwood and Mount Salem in St. James; Greenwich Town, Parade Gardens and August Town in St. Andrew, and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland.

The evaluation is supported by grant funding from the Inter-American Development Bank and is expected to reveal the results by July.

Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang said this research will provide the Government with an empirical understanding of the effectiveness of the ZOSOS.

He said this research will equip policy and decision makers with the data and insights needed to maximize societal benefits and support sustainable development around citizen security and peace.