Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley yesterday urged Government to do more than just hold 'special sessions of Cabinet' to address growing levels of violent crime.

Sen. Dunkley called for the Progressive Labour Party to stop blaming the Governor when things go wrong and work with him to tackle figures showing murder, robbery and firearms offences all increased in 2008.

The former United Bermuda Party leader said his own party's ideas included anti-crime legislation, Police substation for Warwick, more officers on the street and the reinstatement of community policing initiatives.

"Violent crime is getting worse. Sadly, it is becoming part of our way of life. The numbers are shocking, particularly the epidemic number of repeat offenders," said Sen. Dunkley in a statement.

"All of this has occurred under auspices of a PLP Government that has simply failed to deal with the problem. They are very good at holding 'special sessions of the Cabinet' to combat crime and making dramatic announcements that they have 'had enough'.

"But very little ever gets done to stem the tide, year after year. And when they are challenged they are quick to blame the Governor, even though they have all the tools necessary to ensure effective law enforcement.

"We are experiencing the whirlwind of failed and inadequate public safety policies.

"Concrete steps can be taken to beat back crime and rehabilitate offenders and make our streets and homes safer. But no progress will be made on this fundamentally important issue if we do not have a Government committed to protecting citizens first.

"In the world today where bipartisan progress is the way forward, it is vitally important that the Government and the Governor work together effectively. This work must begin now."

In the aftermath of the fatal Elbow Beach stabbing of college student Kellon Hill last August, Cabinet held a special meeting with Premier Ewart Brown announcing initiatives to tackle gun and knife crime including exploring the idea of a weapons amnesty and SWAT team.