Major crimes drop by 7% in 2010, say police

THE POLICE have released the final crime figures for 2010, which show that 1,430 people were murdered last year, significantly fewer than the record 1,682 recorded in 2009.

The figures also show a 7.3 per cent decrease in major crime, which dropped from 11,939 to 11,062.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green told The Gleaner yesterday that aside from a reduction in major crimes, the police have recorded a major increase in the number of cases classified as cleared up.

Green said 2010 has been one of the best years for police investigations as the clear-up rate for murder improved by 10 per cent compared with 2010. The clear-up rate for murder in 2010 was 39 per cent.

"This is most likely the biggest increase we have had, possibly forever. This is the best year for detection for an awfully long time," Green said.

The police determine that cases are cleared up either after people have been charged and brought before the court to answer allegations of having committed a criminal act, or when the suspect has been killed. Green said the increase in the clear-up rate has added pressure to the overburdened court system.

"We are having even more difficulty now getting trial dates because of the pressures on the DPP (director of public prosecutions) and others," he told The Gleaner.

Green also said the police investigating capacity has improved and the public has been more cooperative in supplying information to the lawmen.