Jamaica has recorded a nearly 36 percent decline in murders since the start of the year, marking the most significant drop in homicides in over two decades, according to the latest figures from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
As of April 5, the island recorded 191 homicides—107 fewer than the 298 murders reported during the same period in 2024. The 35.9 percent drop represents the lowest number of murders in more than 25 years, according to Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake. In his weekly address published in the Force Orders, Commissioner Blake emphasized that the first quarter of 2025 is now the sixth consecutive quarter of falling murder rates.
“This is the most substantial reduction in major crimes we’ve seen since 2001,” Dr. Blake noted, crediting the decline to ongoing investment in intelligence-led policing, technological upgrades, and strengthened partnerships across law enforcement and community networks.
Several parishes see decline in major cimes
The sharpest reduction in murders was recorded in St Elizabeth, where homicides plummeted by 75 percent—just three murders this year compared to 12 last year. Other standout parishes include Kingston Eastern (down 66.7 percent), Manchester (63.6 percent), Trelawny (62.5 percent), and St James (61 percent). Even traditionally high-crime divisions such as St Catherine North, Kingston Western, Westmoreland, Clarendon, and Kingston Central recorded notable decreases.
Only four of the 19 police divisions—Portland, St Mary, St Andrew South, and St Andrew North—reported increases in homicides. Portland experienced the highest percentage jump, with a 200 percent increase, going from two murders last year to six in 2025. St Andrew South, meanwhile, led the nation in total murders, with 29 homicides—up from 25 last year.
Other serious crimes have also declined across the country. Shootings are down 26 percent, from 283 to 209 cases. Rape has seen the steepest fall, with a 57 percent decrease—from 129 cases last year to 55 so far in 2025. Robberies also dropped by 7.9 percent, from 190 to 175 cases.
The one exception to this downward trend is break-ins, which rose by 26.5 percent. A total of 296 incidents were reported up to April 5, compared to 234 in the same period last year.
Overall, the country recorded 926 serious and violent crimes since the start of 2025—a decline of 18.3 percent from the 1,134 incidents tallied last year.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force says it remains focused on building on these gains through targeted enforcement, continued community engagement, and the strategic use of technology.
