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In yesterday’s post-Cabinet press briefing held at Jamaica House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, announced a notable 15 per cent reduction in major crimes in 2024.

Dr Chang highlighted the period from January 1 to November 4, revealing that the total number of murders had decreased by 19 per cent, translating to 233 fewer lives lost compared to the previous year. Additionally, shootings have shown a nine per cent decline.

“The quarter we are coming out of – August, September and October – has traditionally been the highest quarter for the year. August, September and October 2024 have been the lowest three months of the last five years.

“I emphasise that, because it reflects the introduction of new strategies by Commissioner, [Dr] Kevin Blake, and the team of officers leading the police force today,” he stated.

Dr Chang reported a 28 per cent decrease in rapes and a 21 per cent decline in robberies. “When we look at the [police] divisions that usually are problematic, we have seen even more significant decreases. Indeed, the police indicated that they are going to focus on the five critical divisions that cause about 50 per cent of the murders in the country on an annualised basis,” he remarked.

The minister provided specific figures regarding crime reductions in various parishes: murders in St. James are down by 32 per cent; Westmoreland by 12 per cent; Clarendon by 39 per cent; Kingston West by 30 per cent; and St Andrew South by 14 per cent.

Dr Chang further noted the substantial reduction in incidents of multiple murders. “While the recent three have shaken the society, at this point last year, there were 78 incidents of double murders, with 156 victims. This year, there have been 40 such incidents with 80 victims, and we continue to take action to reduce that kind of activity,” he said.

In an effort to curb gun violence, the minister revealed that 667 illegal firearms have been confiscated from the streets of Jamaica since the beginning of the year. Of these, 383 guns were seized directly from assailants, while 284 were recovered in circumstances without arrests.

Focusing on organised crime, Dr Chang mentioned that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has intensified its efforts to dismantle gang structures across the island. “Thus far, in 2024, we launched 2,777 anti-gang operations, resulting in the detention of 488 persons. We also detained 19 female gang members. This is evidence that our efforts are targeting networks, addressing crime at every level within these organizations,” he explained.

He further added that 163 gangsters have been charged since January, a slight increase from 145 in the previous year. Currently, eight gangs comprising 73 members have been brought before the court, with investigations ongoing into 28 additional gangs.