Huge dip in murders for last week, only nine reported

According to the crime statistics updated by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Monday, there was a significant dip in murders reported across the island for last week.

Jamaica recorded nine murders last week - January 12-18.

This is a noteworthy flip from the 29 murders a week prior - January 5-11.

As of January 18, there were 43 murders on the books of the JCF.

This represents one less than the corresponding period last year or a two per cent decline year-on-year.

The police high command has stated that it wants to keep Jamaica's murder tally under 1,000 in 2025, noting that the country recorded 1,141 homicides in 2024.

That was a 19 per cent decline when compared to 2023.

Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang in Parliament last Tuesday noted the spike in murders a week prior and said the security forces know why that occurred and a raft of measures and operations were aimed at curtailing the wanton crime and violence.

The single-digit murder last week is seemingly a result of the extra security measures installed by the police following 29 murders for the week of January 5 to 11.

Curfews were imposed and extended in several police divisions across the country including in St Andrew South, St Andrew Central, Kingston East, St Catherine South, Kingston West, St Mary, and St Andrew North.

The latest crime data shows that 14 of the 19 police divisions have recorded at least one murder since the start of the year.

St Catherine South nine, St Andrew South eight, Kingston West four, St Andrew Central four St Mary, Kingston Eastern and St Catherine North have three homicides each, rounding out the divisions with the most homicides.

Shootings, injured persons, rape, robbery, and break-ins are down year on year.

- Andre Williams

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