St Elizabeth police praised for ‘remarkable’ crime reduction

Police Commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake, has praised the St Elizabeth police for achieving a "remarkable turnaround" in reducing violent crimes in the parish.

This followed a previous "disturbing surge" in crime, which Blake said has now been reversed through strategic and proactive policing efforts.

Major crimes have declined by 14 per cent so far this year in the 'breadbasket' parish, with the category of murder accounting for an 80 per cent reduction.

Blake, speaking at last week’s opening of the new Lacovia Police Station in the parish, warned officers not to become complacent, despite the major reductions.

"To my esteemed colleagues in the St Elizabeth Police Division; while we celebrate the progress we've made, let us not for a moment grow complacent. We know that crime is a dynamic, ever evolving threat, and we must remain vigilant and unyielding in our efforts to protect our communities," Blake urged.

He said the new police station in Lacovia was opened at a pivotal time in the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) fight for public safety in the parish and nationally.

"Not too long ago, St Elizabeth was grappling with a disturbing surge in violent crime, including a 100 per cent increase in murders earlier last year," Blake pointed out.

"But thanks to the strong, steady leadership of Superintendent Coleridge Minto and his dedicated team in the St Elizabeth (Police) Division, and with the strategic guidance of Area Three Commander, ACP Calvin Allen, we've seen a remarkable turnaround," the commissioner stated.

He said at the end of 2024, the murder rate in St Elizabeth decreased by 20 per cent.

"And today (February 26), we are witnessing an 80 per cent reduction in murders, along with a 20 per cent decrease in shootings," Blake shared.

He noted that these results are not "mere coincidence", arguing that they are "the product of strategic, proactive policing, relentless operations, and steadfast leadership of our officers."

Added the commissioner on that point: "Across the entire parish, major crimes have fallen by 14 per cent, and with the opening of this new police station, the JCF is even now more equipped to build on these hard-earned gains and continue to advance on our mission of keeping the people of Jamaica safe.

"And I say this without hesitation, we will not surrender our homes, our businesses or our communities to criminals," Blake declared.