Major crimes down by 12 percent this year in Jamaica

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting a continued downward trend in crime and violence, with all categories of major offenses showing a reduction during the second quarter of 2024.

“Overall, there has been an almost 12 percent decrease in major crimes since the start of 2024. Notably, murders have decreased by 14.5 percent as of July 15, 2024,” Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake told the JCF’s quarterly press conference on Tuesday.

Dr. Blake reported that shootings are down almost two percent, robberies have decreased by 15 percent, rapes have dropped by 32 percent, and break-ins have fallen by six percent.

Regarding illegal firearm seizures, the commissioner indicated that the JCF is “reaping more success.”

“As at June 30, 2024, we recorded a 14 percent increase in gun seizures over the same period last year, taking 422 illegal firearms off the streets and our communities,” Dr. Blake said, noting that “these are mainly pistols.”

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In calling on Jamaicans to report criminal activities, he said: “There are far more lawful and law-abiding people in Jamaica than the lawless and criminal among us. The JCF urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of criminals to come forward as part of a collective effort to ensure justice and restore peace.”

He also warned perpetrators of crime that the JCF will be unrelenting in bringing them to justice.

“We will disrupt your criminal activities and isolate you. We will come for you, [and] when we do, we encourage you to lay down arms and surrender willingly. If you meet us with aggression, we will respond with superior force, and we will win because we are smarter, we are better trained and better resourced,” Dr. Blake declared.

Hurricane Beryl response by JFC

Meanwhile, the police commissioner has heaped praises on members of the constabulary for their valiant efforts across the country in the wake of Hurricane Beryl’s passage recently.

“I am immensely proud of the men and women of the JCF who were everywhere during the storm, present and highly responsive, pressing into the teeth of the wind, so to speak, to bring well-needed relief and assistance to those in distress,” Dr. Blake told the JCF’s quarterly press briefing.

He disclosed that approximately 10,000 police personnel were ready and available for deployment as Jamaica braced for and was affected by the Category 4 hurricane.

Additionally, all the island’s main thoroughfares were monitored by highway patrols, mobile patrols were made available for domestic and business districts, and a quick response unit was ready for deployment.

“When officers leave their homes and their families to go out in the height of a natural disaster to serve and protect others, it is a huge demand on them both physically and mentally,” Dr. Blake said.

He said the JCF’s Property Management and Maintenance Division and Welfare Unit have been directed to conduct assessments and take steps to alleviate any challenges or dislocation being experienced by any of its members arising from the hurricane.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Blake advised that the JCF’s physical infrastructure “fared well” during Beryl, adding that project management teams have been activated and repair work has commenced on properties that were affected by the hurricane.

Read: Dr. Kevin Blake is Jamaica’s new police commissioner