Church praises St Andrew North police for crime reduction

The St Andrew North Police Division has been recognised by God Family Ministries International Church for its sustained reduction in crime during a special thanksgiving service held on Sunday, January 25.

The service, held under the theme 'Engage, Educate, Empower and Enforce', was well attended by police officers of varying ranks and regular congregants, who filled the halls of the church at 92 Red Hills Road.

An award plaque was presented to the management of the division, headed by Superintendent Randy Sweeney, in recognition of what church leaders described as a marked improvement in public safety within the division.

The St Andrew North Police Division ended 2025 with a 50 per cent reduction in murders. As at January 24, the division remains murder free, placing it among six of the island's 19 police divisions without a homicide so far this year.

This achievement represents a significant turnaround for the division, which had recorded three murders at the same point last year.

Addressing the congregation during his divisional overview, Superintendent Sweeney underscored the importance of collaboration between the church, the police and the wider community, noting that crime reduction cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone.

"These kinds of engagement are very important," Superintendent Sweeney said while outlining category one crimes, which include murders, shootings, rape, injured persons, robberies and break-ins.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I urge you to partner with us so that we can see significant reductions in these heinous crimes. It is very important," he added.

Superintendent Sweeney told the service that acquisitive crimes have significantly impacted the division over the years.

"So much so that last year we were in the top two nationally when it came to break ins, with 120 reported cases. This represents a 40 per cent increase when compared to 2024," he said.

"When we work together with the church and the communities, we create an environment where crime cannot thrive," Sweeney told The Gleaner following the service.

The divisional commander also applauded residents who have adopted target hardening strategies.

"They are less likely to be victims of crime. While we are headed in the right direction, we believe more can be done. We are encouraging persons to install or utilise CCTV systems and to be mindful of simple things like ensuring windows and doors are properly secured," he said, noting that a recent break in occurred because a window was left open.

Superintendent Sweeney also said the division is considered the capital for motor vehicle theft in Jamaica.

"However, I am happy to report that last year we recorded almost a 40 per cent reduction in larceny of motor vehicles. There were 80 cases, which is still too many, but this is compared to 149 the previous year. We believe persons are becoming more aware," he told the congregation.

The St Andrew North Police Division also recovered 60 illegal weapons last year, the highest seizure in nearly 30 years.

Additionally, the division recorded a 25 per cent reduction in shootings and a 35 per cent reduction in rapes.

Superintendent Sweeney attributed the improved crime statistics to the implementation of targeted policing strategies, noting that their impact became evident last year and has continued into the new year.

Church leaders commended the police for their dedication and encouraged continued engagement with faith based organisations as a means of sustaining peace and stability across communities in St Andrew North.

- Andre Williams

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