Jamaica records decrease in murders, and other crimes

Jamaica has recorded a 16.8 per cent decline in murders with data showing that 797 murders were recorded between January 1 and August 11, compared to nearly 1,000 for the corresponding period last year.

Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, says the reduction in murders and major crimes can be largely attributed to smart policing by the security forces. He said a number of policing strategies implemented have been effective in significantly reducing crime.

According to the data released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), there has been a 16.8 per cent decrease in murders, 15.4 per cent decline in shootings, 9.4 per cent fall in robberies, and 7.2 per cent drop in break-ins.

“We have implemented some particular strategies and they seem to be working, and we will continue doing that towards the end of the year,” Anderson said, acknowledging that the Zones of Special Operations, and States of Public Emergency, now in effect, have been particularly pivotal in underpinning and fueling the security forces' hard work and success.

The data released by the JCF also showed a 15 per cent decline in cases of rape, and a 22 per cent reduction in aggravated assault.