Collaborative effort drives 51% drop in murders across Clarendon – police
Published:Friday | June 13, 2025 | 12:10 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer
A collaborative effort between the police, citizens, and the business community is being credited for a significant reduction in crime across Clarendon, including a 51 per cent drop in murders since the start of the year.
The disclosure was made by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Adrian Flemming during Thursday’s sitting of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, where he presented updated statistics for the period January 1 to June 8.
Flemming reported that all major crimes in the parish have declined, with overall major crimes down by 21.2 per cent. A total of 141 major crimes were recorded so far this year, compared to 171 for the corresponding period in 2024.
He also pointed to a marked improvement in the clear-up rate for murder cases, which jumped from 18 per cent last year to 75 per cent this year. This, he said, was the result of more effective policing strategies, greater internal coordination, and the collective involvement of community members.
“The statistics indicate a major reduction in almost all the seven categories of major crimes, which is a clear indication of the work the police in the parish are doing,” said Flemming.
Among the most notable shifts is the 66.7 per cent decline in cases of rape, with an 80 per cent clear-up rate.
“[This clear up rate in rape cases] is an indication of victim cooperation and [improved] case management system,” Flemming said.
Shootings have dropped by 45 per cent, with a 28 per cent clear-up rate.
Flemming credited the ongoing improvements to the dedicated work of the police and the strong backing of community stakeholders, including the business sector.
Councillor Scean Barnswell also praised the May Pen business community for its continued support of crime-fighting efforts.
“The business community should also be lauded for their support,” Barnswell said.
Flemming agreed, noting that businesses have remained reliable partners in efforts to improve public safety across the parish.
Barnswell, who had previously lobbied for a service vehicle for the Longville Park Police Station during a council meeting in March, expressed satisfaction that the request had since been fulfilled.
Councillor Collin Henry, who represents the Thompson Town Division, also expressed appreciation for the allocation of service vehicles to the Mocho and Frankfield police stations.
Meanwhile, Councillor Uriah Mitchell, of the Rock River Division, inquired about the status of a service vehicle for the Rock River Police Station. In response, Flemming assured that applications had already been submitted for the location.
Describing the reduction in crime as “miraculous”, Councillor Hershel Brown of the Chapelton Division asked how the numbers could be sustained to ensure continued peace and safety in the parish.
In response, Flemming highlighted the importance of ongoing community engagement and a range of social intervention programmes, which he said are essential in addressing the root causes of crime and building long-term stability.