Government intensifies efforts to reduce murders despite 52% reduction so far this year

The government is intensifying efforts to reduce murders despite a 52 percent reduction so far this year.

State minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley says the holness administration will not allow complacency to creep in.

The latest figures from the Jamaica Constabulary Force show there has been a 52 percent reduction in murders this year compared to last year.

As of January 22, 25 Jamaicans were murdered compared with 52 for the similar period last year.

Shootings are down by 37-percent.

Senator Fitz-Henley says the government is hopeful that the successes of the security forces will result in increased compliance and fewer instances where the police are challenged and use deadly force.

He states that the prime minister has been clear that the government expects the police to respect the rule of law in interacting with Jamaicans.

Senator Fitz-Henley says two pieces of draft legislation which are before the parliament are aimed at improving the justice system and delivering better results in crime fighting.