JCF reports significant crime reduction in Kingston Central

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting a significant reduction in crime in Kingston Central with no violent incident recorded in communities such as Rose Gardens since the start of the year .

The update was shared at a recent Project Star town hall meeting at Pentab High School.

Speaking at the event, Divisional Commander Superintendent, Mishka Forbes described the achievement as a major turnaround for an area once plagued by persistent violence.

Police credit the progress to consistent community engagement, monthly Community Renewals Team (CRT) meetings, and joint efforts with stakeholders including Project Star, Restorative Justice, Crime Stop and the Domestic Violence Intervention Unit.

According to Superintendent Forbes, residents have become increasingly receptive and actively involved in shaping solutions to longstanding problems.

According to data from the JCF, the crime statistics for Rose Gardens moved from 25 in 2023 and declined to 14 in 2024 and then nine in 2025.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe commended the progress made in the community and said that the results in Kingston Central demonstrate the importance of social transformation alongside law enforcement.

She encouraged residents to continue playing an active role, stressing that sustainable change depends on community ownership and consistent participation.

For his part, Project Star sponsor Keith Duncan also highlighted the role of trust building and long term commitment in achieving the crime reduction.

Duncan added that the Rose Gardens experience is now viewed as a model for other communities, noting that the approach could be replicated nationally with continued Government and private sector support.

Police say the Kingston Central results underscore the effectiveness of combining targeted policing with social intervention, economic support and community leadership a strategy they believe can reshape other high risk areas across the island.