The Government is to undertake an evaluation of the seven Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) across the country as it prepares to transition them into zones of peace, says National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang. “This research will provide the Government with a robust empirical understanding of the effectiveness of the zones. It will allow us to determine what has worked, what has not and how best to scale the most effective elements across the country,” Chang, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, told the House of Representatives on Wednesday. He explained that the research will be supported through grant funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and is expected to commence in July, beginning with a feasibility exercise.ZOSOs are specific, geographically defined areas where the government implements enhanced security and community development measures to combat high crime rates They are designed to clear communities of criminals, secure them with joint military-police presence, and implement social interventions to improve residents' lives. The first ZOSO was announced in Mount Salem, St James in September 2017. Chang outlined that the objectives of the research include assessing the financial costs and benefits of the zones; identifying, evaluating, and prioritising initiatives that deliver the greatest social value; recognising potential risks, unintended consequences, and implementation challenges; and analysing the long-term social and environmental outcomes.It is also intended to guide the design and operationalisation of the zones of peace serving as the long-term evolution and transitional framework beyond the ZOSOs.Chang emphasised that the Government places strong importance on evidence-based decision-making in its efforts to build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.“Peace is not dependent on permanent police/military presence but sustained through opportunity, inclusion and development,” he affirmed.The announcement regarding the research initiative and the transition to zones of peace was welcomed by Opposition Leader, Mark Golding.“You’ve indicated [that] you’re looking to transition to something a bit different… . I welcome that… and you’re doing some database analysis as to how they’ve worked over the time that you’ve deployed them, which is also very good. We are looking forward to seeing the results of that,” Golding said.Golding argued that the ZOSOs' rights-limiting impact should be part of a ministerial statement to the House on the long term approach to help the affected communities. He also expressed support for the House’s approval of a further 180-day extension of the seven ZOSOs, which are set to expire on June 22.The extension, now in effect until December 19, 2026, applies to ZOSOs in Denham Town, Kingston; Norwood and Mount Salem, St James; Greenwich Town, Parade Gardens, and August Town, St Andrew; and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.Chang noted that the ZOSOs continue to deliver meaningful benefits to some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable communities.“Since the first Zone was declared in Mount Salem in September 2017, we have made significant and measurable progress. Serious crimes have been reduced in these communities and across the country, and we have simultaneously strengthened the Government’s border security programme,” he said. Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.