Sat | Sep 20, 2025

Murders down 30 per cent

Published:Monday | March 17, 2025 | 6:26 PM
eputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang is optimistic that the country's murder toll for 2025 could fall below 800.
eputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang is optimistic that the country's murder toll for 2025 could fall below 800.

Jamaica recorded 158 murders between January 1 and March 15 this year, a 30 per cent decline in homicides compared with the similar period last year, according to latest police data.

The serious crime statistics published Sunday by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) show that 13 murders were recorded over the last week March 8-15, bringing the total so far this month to 41.

A total of 28 murders were committed in the first eight days of March.

For the entire month of February 47 murders were committed, the lowest monthly total in 25 years.

The 30 per cent decline in murders as of March 15, is about 70 fewer than the 228 recorded for period under review last year.

Seven of the 19 police divisions are in double-digit figures.

These include St Andrew South 24, St Catherine South 18, Westmoreland 13, St James 12, St Andrew Central 12, St Catherine North 11 and Kingston Western 10.

St Elizabeth has the least with only one homicide.

There is also a decline in shooting, injured persons, rape and robbery.

Break-ins and motor vehicle larceny have seen an increase.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang is optimistic that the country's murder toll for 2025 could fall below 800.

“If we can maintain the trend, look at the projection and ensure that we pursue programmes and policies that [can aid] the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), then we could see under 800 murders,” he said at Friday's official opening of the Frome Police Station in Frome, Westmoreland.

Dr Chang stressed that sustainable crime reduction requires continued government investment in police resources, technology, and infrastructure.

Jamaica ended 2024 with 1,141 murders, a decrease of 252 compared to 2023, when the country recorded 1,393 homicides.

-Andre Williams

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