Police report 45% decline in murders so far this year

The Jamaica Constabulary is reporting a 45% decline in murders so far this year.

The latest data show that 22 murders were committed between January 1 and 17.

This is 18 fewer than the 40 reported for the same period in 2025.

St. James and St. Elizabeth topped the divisions, both recording 4 murders each, followed by St. Ann and St. Andrew South with 3 each, while St Catherine North and Westmoreland each recorded 2 murders.

Hanover, Kingston Western, St.Catherine south and St. Thomas each recorded one murder.

Nine divisions have not recorded a murder for 2026.

The country saw a major reduction in crime last year, ending 2025 with 673 murders, the lowest in 31 years.