Jamaica’s Commissioner of Police, Kevin Blake, has announced significant reductions in major crimes across the country for 2024, highlighting a notable decline in murders, shootings, rapes, and robberies.
During his year-end address on December 27, Blake reported an 18% reduction in murders, a 10% decrease in shootings, and a 25% drop in rape cases. Robberies saw a 21% decline, marking substantial progress in the fight against crime.
Blake attributed these positive results to an intelligence-driven approach, increased police visibility, and strategic operations. “These outcomes are a direct result of a more focused and visible policing strategy,” he stated. The commissioner also noted that while the year saw over 180 police killings, the majority of law enforcement operations were carried out without fatalities.
“The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) clear preference is to bring persons before the courts to face justice rather than engage in fatal confrontations,” Blake emphasized. He pointed to numerous high-value targets who had been arrested and brought to court this year, as well as over 400 weapons seized from gunmen without fatal consequences.
Blake also addressed criticisms regarding the integrity of crime statistics, dismissing doubts raised by some critics. “The statistics we present do not lie. They are rigorously compiled, analyzed, and transparently shared with the public. To cast doubt on these figures is to erode the trust and confidence that we have painstakingly built over time,” Blake asserted.
According to the statistics, the police divisions experiencing the highest increases in murders were Manchester (17%) and St. Andrew North (14%). In contrast, Kingston Central recorded the largest decrease in murders at 40%, followed by St. James with a 34% reduction, and Hanover and St. Ann, each with a 35% drop in killings.
Blake emphasized that public safety remains a top priority for the JCF, and issued a stern warning to criminals. “To those offenders who believe they can evade the reach of justice, let me be clear. We know who you are, and our resolve will not waver,” Blake concluded.
