The Jamaica police high command is reporting a 7.8 reduction in murders last year, with the lowest numbers since 2020.
According to statistics, a total of 1,393 murders were reported, which represents a 7.8 percent decline, or 118 fewer, when compared to the 1,511 people killed in 2022 according to the latest police data.
In 2021, there were 1,474 murders, and 1,323 in 2020.
Shootings and reports of wounding also declined across all police divisions last year, the data showed.
There was a 17.5 percent reduction in rapes as well, according to the police statistics.
The police force is also reporting a total of 780 robberies, representing a 15.3 percent drop from the 921 committed in 2022.
Investing in police resources
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called upon fellow Jamaicans to take a stand against crime and violence, while reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to implementing measures aimed at combating this pressing issue.
Holness previously shared that his government would persistently pursue strategies to tackle crime head-on.
One of the cornerstones of this approach is a continued investment in enhancing the police force’s capacity to investigate and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities.
Underlining the government’s dedication to ensuring public safety, Prime Minister Holness emphasized substantial investments in various facets of law enforcement.
These investments encompassed significant enhancements in the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the police, as well as bolstering their mobility and investigative prowess.
Furthermore, measures have been taken to elevate the police force’s commitment to upholding human rights, marking a notable departure from its standing a decade ago.
