Chang eyes historic sub-800 murder tally for 2025

Jamaica could see a significant decrease in murders by the end of 2025, with Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang, placing that figure below 800 homicides.

Chang was, however, quick to note that the sub-800 figure is not an official target that has been set by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

And with the murder rate showing positive signs since the start of the year, he said the constabulary now has no need to impose "extraordinary measures" like states of emergency (SOEs), but rather, is focused on pursuing the criminals with evidence.

"At the rate we have started the year, and we are now in the third month, we could see under 800 murders; that's not their (the JCF) target enuh, because they know we coming from a high number (of murders), and they are prepared to work, and I'm prepared to wait," Chang stated.

The minister was addressing the opening of the newly built Frome Police Station in Westmoreland on Friday.

He expressed his commitment to supporting the police force in their efforts to reduce crime in an orderly manner, like providing law enforcers with the necessary resources to do so.

This, he said, will be done in a manner that balances effective crime reduction with respect for individuals' rights.

At the same time, he said the projected 800 murders for 2025 is a crucial number, as crime experts have conducted an in-depth analysis of the nation's security landscape, and developed strategies to drive murders below 800.

"It is felt by experts... that if we get to that number, and... we complete our investments in the resources, the police stations, the technology, etcetera, we will be on a sustainable downward trend," Chang declared.

He added that, "The work of the police force has taken us to a point where if we follow that line (trajectory), we will get 800 (murders) in this year."

The deputy prime minister said murders are down 31.2 per cent nationally as of Friday.

Jamaica recorded 47 murders in February, which was the lowest monthly figure in 25 years.

The country saw a notable decline in murders in 2024, recording 1,141 cases, which represented a 252-case drop from the 1,393 homicides that were reported in 2023.