Steady Decline in Severe Violence – Minister Chang

There has been a steady decline in severe violence since November 2023, says Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.

“For the six-month period, November 2023 to April 2024, we have seen a 24 per cent decline in the homicide rate, when compared with the preceding six-month period,” Dr. Chang stated.

He was making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 14).

Dr. Chang noted that gang wars, which are predominantly based on conflicts over turf, have reduced significantly islandwide.

He said the police’s assessment indicates that the number of gangs across the country has been considerably reduced and they are now smaller and less organised.

“At the beginning of 2024, there were 244 active gangs. So far, this year, we have only identified 106 active gangs. We have seen 27 convictions in some five gang trials, including the now famous Klansman trial,” Dr. Chang informed.

He further indicated that there are five gang matters before the courts, “three are near going to the court and, overall, there are 64 under active investigation”.

“When they are under investigation, they tend to get quieter, move out, disperse and are, therefore, doing less damage. A total of 164 gang members have been charged with [various] offences and several large gangs have been disrupted. Of course, the critical Klansman group has been noted, One Order [gang] is quiet, and the Stone Crusher gang out in Montego Bay has disappeared from the scene,” Dr. Chang stated.

The National Security Minister also informed that the police have picked up several contract killing syndicates.

“We accept and agree that the homicide rate is still too high. It is being carried out largely by drive-by shootings. Despite what is happening, nonetheless, this year, murder is trending on a 15 per cent decline, following on an eight per cent reduction for last year,” he stated.

Dr. Chang added: “If we had the full use of the strong and effective legislative tool, that is the state of public emergency, as we were building the capacity of the Force, we would have saved hundreds of lives.”