Jamaica Records 24 Per Cent Reduction in Murders

Jamaica has recorded a 24 per cent reduction in murders since the beginning of the year.

Making a statement in the House of Representatives on October 6, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said as at October 6, 2026, Jamaica recorded 407 murders, compared with 534 over the corresponding period in 2025, which represents a reduction of 24 per cent.

He pointed out that between July and September, Jamaica recorded 123 murders, noting that this represents the lowest quarterly figure recorded in more than three decades.

“September recorded 36 murders, the lowest monthly total in more than 30 years. It was the fourth month this year in which Jamaica recorded 40 or fewer murders,” he said.

He further noted that five of the first nine months of 2026 were among the lowest monthly murder totals recorded in more than three decades.

Additionally, Dr. Chang pointed out that the first three quarters of 2026 were the lowest quarterly murder totals recorded over that period.

“Just a few years ago, 123 murders was a figure Jamaica could record in a single month. In May 2024, Jamaica recorded 134 murders. In 2017, the monthly average was 137 murders. Today, 123 murders represent an entire quarter,” he said.

“For decades, high levels of murder and violence became tragically normalised in our society. We are now seeing a sustained reversal of that trend. The Government remained committed to its policies even when they were questioned and criticised. We increased the strength of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. We invested in its people, infrastructure, technology, equipment and mobility. We provided our police officers with the resources they needed and the operational space to do their jobs effectively,” he said, noting that Jamaica continues to record a sustained reduction in murders.

Furthermore, he commended the leadership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and all Jamaican career police officers for their execution of the Government’s policies and programmes. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Jamaica Defence Force, other law-enforcement agencies, private-sector partners, international partners and the citizens who continue to support the national effort to reduce crime and violence.

“I commend the Permanent Secretary and the dedicated staff of the Ministry of National Security and Peace. They ensure that our policies are translated into programmes, that critical investments are advanced smoothly through the Public Investment Management System, and that major initiatives, including the Specialised Operations West, move from policy to implementation. We will sign a contract for that project before the end of this Fiscal Year,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the Government is committed to securing the gains that have been made in security. “While we recognise these gains, we will not become complacent. Our responsibility now is to protect and deepen them,” he said.

He noted that the Government has invested significantly in the training and professional development of security personnel through the Caribbean Military Academy, the National Police College of Jamaica and the Caribbean Correctional Academy.

The Minister said that these institutions are strengthening professionalism, leadership and excellence across our security services. “They are designed to build a new culture as we train our own security personnel to the highest level inculcating a new culture, new approach that will ensure the gains we are making now will be sustainable in the future,” he said.

Despite the economic shock caused by Hurricane Melissa, Dr. Chang said the Ministry will continue to build out the physical infrastructure of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and, indeed, the entire security team.

“We opened the Caribbean Correctional Academy a couple weeks back and intend to complete the Westmoreland Divisional Headquarters by December of this year and St. Catherine North Divisional Headquarters will come at a later stage as we continue improving police facilities across the country. We will ensure that infrastructure and the equipment required in transportation, communication, technology and cybersecurity, as we build out the C5 centre, will be available for a modern progressive Police Force,” he said.