Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, has announced a substantial decline in major crimes across Jamaica so far in 2024, citing an 18 per cent reduction in murders, a 10 per cent decrease in shootings, and a 25 per cent drop in rape cases.
Robberies also saw a significant decline of 21 per cent.
According to Blake, these positive results can be attributed to an intelligence-driven approach, increased police visibility, and strategic operations.
“These outcomes are a direct result of a more focused and visible policing strategy,” he declared.
Despite over 180 police killings in 2024, Blake emphasised that the majority of law enforcement operations were carried out without fatalities. He highlighted the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) commitment to bringing persons before the courts to face justice, rather than engaging in fatal confrontations.
The commissioner also reported the successful arrest and prosecution of numerous high-value targets, as well as the seizure of over 400 weapons from gunmen without fatal consequences.
Addressing criticisms regarding the integrity of crime statistics, Blake asserted, “The statistics we present do not lie. They are rigorously compiled, analyzed, and transparently shared with the public. To cast doubt on these figures is to erode the trust and confidence that we have painstakingly built over time.”
The statistics revealed that Manchester and St Andrew North experienced the highest increases in murders, at 17 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively.
In contrast, Kingston Central recorded the largest decrease in murders at 40 per cent, followed by St James with a 34 per cent reduction, and Hanover and St Ann, each with a 35 per cent drop in killings.
Blake pointed out that public safety remains a top priority for the JCF, and issued a stern warning to criminals.
“To those offenders who believe they can evade the reach of justice, let me be clear; we know who you are, and our resolve will not waver,” Blake declared further.
