Communities on edge - Police ramp up operations to curb rising crime in St Catherine South

A deadly wave of violence has been sweeping through sections of the St Catherine South Police Division, leaving residents on edge as murders skyrocket in the early weeks of 2025.

The division has already recorded a chilling 10 homicides -- an explosive 200 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, when just three murders were reported. Superintendent Leighton Gray, the commander of the division, acknowledged the surge, describing it as a sharp and troubling "spike" in killings, largely fuelled by relentless gang wars.

"When compared to last year, yes, it is a spike," Gray admitted.

He revealed that gang conflicts account for approximately half of the murders in the division.

"There was a triple [killing] in Central Village, which is of gang connotation. And there are some others in terms of gangs," he said, pointing to the violent power struggles tearing through communities.

St Catherine South is one of four divisions in which a state of emergency (SOE) was declared yesterday by the Government. The extreme security measure will be in place for 21 days, unless extended by Parliament. The others are St Andrew South, St Andrew Central, and Kingston Western.

This declaration of a SOE follows a significant increase in violent criminal activities. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said the areas in which the measure has been imposed have been identified as hotspots for gang-related warfare that poses public safety risks to residents, as well as commuters and bystanders.

"The intelligence assessment has revealed that violence and criminal activity in these communities have reached a level beyond what standard policing strategies can manage to effectively restore stability and public order," the OPM said.

While shootings in the division have slightly declined -- from five in early 2024 to four this year -- the staggering rise in murders has eclipsed any sense of relief. Compounding the crisis is the presence of wanted criminals. According to police intelligence, eight of the division's 10 most wanted men are believed to be hiding in the Old Harbour area, further fanning the flames of unrest.

Gray confirmed that the division has received additional support from Area 5 headquarters and specialised operations teams. A slew of intensified measures are now under way, including curfews, cordon-and-search operations, raids, and heightened road policing.

"These operational activities are how we intend to cauterise the spike in our murder situation at this time," Gray said confidently, signalling an all-out effort to wrest control from criminal elements.

Beyond the tactical response, the division's community safety and security team is working to mend the frayed bonds of trust between law enforcement and residents. Gray highlighted recent outreach efforts, including a major walk-through in Old Harbour on Monday.

"It was very good. People were very receptive," he shared, emphasising the importance of community support in the fight against crime.

To the fearful residents of St Catherine South, Gray offered words of reassurance.

"We are committed to the task of serving them, and serving them professionally to ensure their safety." The division, he assured, has ramped up its efforts and is actively seeking the cooperation of the public.