Jamaica has experienced a violent start to 2025, with 34 murders recorded in just 11 days, according to the latest serious crime statistics released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Sunday.
This marks an increase of eight murders compared to the same period in 2024, when 26 homicides were reported.
Despite a 19% decline in murders in 2024—ending the year with 1,139 homicides—the new year has seen a sharp rise in violence. Between January 1 and 4, five murders were recorded. However, the pace intensified in the first full week of the year, with 29 murders reported from January 5 to 11.
In response to the surge in killings, the JCF has imposed 48-hour curfews in high-risk divisions, including Kingston Western, St. Andrew Central, St. Andrew South, and St. Catherine South. Crime data shows that 14 of the country’s 19 police divisions have recorded at least one murder so far in 2025.
St. Catherine South and St. Andrew South lead the list with five murders each, followed by Kingston West and St. Andrew Central with four murders each, and St. Mary with three.
Recent progress on crime overshadowed
The spike in violence comes just weeks after Police Commissioner Kevin Blake announced significant reductions in major crimes for 2024. Speaking on December 27, Blake highlighted an 18% drop in murders, a 10% reduction in shootings, a 25% decline in rape cases, and a 21% decrease in robberies. He credited these improvements to intelligence-driven policing, increased police visibility, and strategic operations.
“These outcomes are a direct result of a more focused and visible policing strategy,” Blake said. He also noted that the JCF prioritized apprehending suspects without resorting to fatal confrontations, reporting over 400 weapons seized and numerous arrests of high-value targets without loss of life.
Blake also defended the integrity of the JCF’s crime statistics amid public skepticism. “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 we have painstakingly built over time,” he emphasized.
As the new year unfolds, the JCF faces mounting pressure to curb violence and maintain the progress achieved in 2024.
