Jamaica, known in recent years as being the murder capital of the Western Hemisphere, recorded a 22 percent reduction in major crimes for the first quarter of the year.
At the end of March, murders were down by 21 percent, according to Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Anderson said shootings also declined by 13 percent.
Additionally, rape is down by 47 percent, robberies decreased by 32 percent, and break-ins were reduced by 11 percent.
“We, however, continue to see a shift in the attribution of murders – the reduction in gang-related murders relative to interpersonal conflicts,” the commissioner informed.
“As at March 31st again, gang conflicts accounted for 67 percent of these murders, interpersonal conflict accounted for 22 percent, while four percent occurred in the furtherance of other criminal acts and seven percent are still being determined,” stated Anderson.
Meanwhile, he said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continues to equip the force, implement its policing plan and work closer with communities, he has no doubt that people will begin to feel safe.
“We have been seeing encouraging signs that communities are less willing to accept criminals in their midst,” he said, adding that “The strategy of our commanders and their teams to be closer to their communities and build relationships is working.”
Furher, he said that, “We (the police) do not regard these efforts as an event but as an ongoing part of our policing plan.”
