Major Crimes Down 15 Per Cent

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, is reporting a 15 per cent reduction in major crimes since the start of 2024.

For the period January 1 to November 4, the total number of murders recorded fell by 19 per cent, equating to 233 fewer persons killed this year, while shootings have dipped by nine per cent.

“The quarter we are coming out of – August, September and October – has traditionally been the highest quarter for the year. August, September and October 2024 has been the lowest three months of the last five years. I emphasise that, because it reflects the introduction of new strategies by Commissioner, [Dr.] Kevin Blake, and the team of officers leading the police force today,” Dr. Chang stated.

He was addressing Wednesday’s (November 6) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.

Dr. Chang pointed out that there has been a notable 28 per cent decline in rapes, while robberies have decreased by 21 per cent.

“When we look at the [police] divisions that usually are problematic, we have seen even more significant decreases. Indeed, the police indicated that they are going to focus on the five critical divisions that literally cause about 50 per cent of the murders in the country on an annualised basis,” he said.

Dr. Chang informed that murders in St. James are down by 32 per cent; Westmoreland, 12 per cent; Clarendon, 39 per cent; Kingston West, 30 per cent, and St. Andrew South, 14 per cent.

“Another feature of our success by the police has been the significant reduction in incidents of multiple murders. While the recent three have shaken the society, at this point last year, there were 78 incidents of double murders, with 156 victims. This year, there have been 40 such incidents with 80 victims, and we continue to take action to reduce that kind of activity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chang shared that 667 illegal firearms have been taken off the streets of Jamaica since the start of the year.

Of that number, 383 guns were seized directly from assailants, while 284 were recovered in situations without arrests.

The Minister noted that this year, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has sharpened its focus on dismantling gang structures islandwide.

“Thus far, in 2024, we launched 2,777 anti-gang operations, resulting in the detention of 488 persons. We also detained 19 female gang members. This is evidence that our efforts are targeting networks, addressing crime at every level within these organisations,” he said.

Dr. Chang added that 163 gangsters have been charged since January, compared to 145 last year.

He said eight gangs, totalling 73 members, have been put before the court, while 28 other gangs are being investigated.