Murders across Jamaica have dropped by more than 44% in the first half of 2025, according to new statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), marking one of the most significant declines in homicides in recent years.
Between January 1 and June 14, police recorded 303 murders, compared to 543 during the same period in 2024 — a reduction of 240 cases, or 44.2%. The data was released by the JCF on its website over the weekend.
Other serious crimes also fell during the reporting period, including shootings, which declined by 32.5% (from 492 to 332 incidents), and rapes, which dropped by nearly 33% (from 204 to 137).
Overall, the country recorded a total of 1,606 serious crimes, down from 1,977 in the same period last year — an 18.8% decrease.
While the downward trend in violent crimes may signal the effectiveness of anti-gang operations and intelligence-driven policing, other categories saw increases. Reports of break-ins rose by 21%, moving from 421 to 509 cases, while robberies went up slightly, from 317 to 325 incidents.
The parishes with the largest year-over-year drops in murder include:
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Hanover, down 75% (from 28 to 7 murders),
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St. James, down 68.5% (from 73 to 23),
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Westmoreland, down 59.6% (from 52 to 21),
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and Manchester, down 55% (from 20 to 9).
Only a few divisions, including St. Thomas and Portland, reported small increases in homicides.
Law enforcement officials have not yet formally commented on the mid-year figures. However, the JCF has previously credited multi-agency cooperation, increased community policing, and improved surveillance technology for progress in fighting crime.
The sharp decline in violent crime has not gone unnoticed internationally. In May, the United States downgraded its travel advisory for Jamaica from Level 3 to Level 2, citing improvements in public safety. The upgrade encourages U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution, rather than reconsider travel altogether — a notable shift from previous warnings.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness welcomed the move, saying in a statement,
“This revision reflects the hard work of our security forces and government agencies. We have been deliberate and data-driven in our approach to reducing crime and improving the safety of our people. Jamaica remains one of the most vibrant and welcoming destinations in the world, and we are pleased that our progress is being recognised.”
