JCF reports 13% reduction in major crimes despite recent uptick in murders
Key Points(5)
- The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says the island has seen a 13 percent reduction in major crimes since the start of the year, despite a recent uptick in murders over the last few weeks.
- Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, who made the disclosure during the JCF’s virtual quarterly press briefing on October 3, said the reduction covers the period between January 1 and September 30.
- “Murders were down 12 percent, which translates to 141 fewer persons killed; shooting incidents [were] down nine percent; rape, down 18 percent, and robberies, [down] 17 percent,” he informed.
- The commissioner said interpersonal violence accounted for 21 percent of total homicides while 66 percent were attributable to gang-related murders.
- “This is a shift from the 70-plus percent attributable to gangs as our counter-gang measures take effect,” he added.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says the island has seen a 13 percent reduction in major crimes since the start of the year, despite a recent uptick in murders over the last few weeks.
Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, who made the disclosure during the JCF’s virtual quarterly press briefing on October 3, said the reduction covers the period between January 1 and September 30.
“Murders were down 12 percent, which translates to 141 fewer persons killed; shooting incidents down nine percent; rape, down 18 percent, and robberies, 17 percent,” he informed.
The commissioner said interpersonal violence accounted for 21 percent of total homicides while 66 percent were attributable to gang-related murders.
“This is a shift from the 70-plus percent attributable to gangs as our counter-gang measures take effect,” he added.
Meanwhile, General Anderson said more than 500 illegal weapons have, so far, been recovered this year.
“Illegal guns continue to be the weapon of choice for the criminals,” he pointed out, noting that 84 percent of murders are still committed by the use of firearms.
Recent spike in murders
The announcement comes amid a recent spike in murders over the last few weeks. The community of Grants Pen has been plagued by violence recently several incidents of shooting and murders being reported.
The brother of dancehall artiste Jahshii is among those who have been killed in the community in the last month. Last week, a 48-hour curfew was imposed in the community to quell the violence.
Communities in St. Elizabeth and Clarendon have also been plagued by murders recently.
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General Anderson said the JCF will continue to partner with critical stakeholders in the fight against crime.
“As we begin the final quarter of this year, we remain resolute in our drive to save as many lives as possible, to continue our efforts against gangs and violent criminal organizations, and end the year with reductions in all major crimes,” he assured.
General Anderson said the JCF anticipates “even greater collaboration and assistance from our local law-enforcement partners … as we close the year and move into next year."
“Most importantly, we are anticipating continued public support for our force,” Commissioner Anderson underscored.
