Jamaica murder rate crosses 300, JCF crime statics reports

Kingston: The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) released its latest serious crime statics report, which revealed that the national murder toll has crossed the 300 mark. However, it is still lower compared to the previous year.

According to the reports, the nation has reported approximately 311 murders, which were filed across the 19 police divisions till April 13 (Saturday). Compared to last year, 2023, there is a 14 percent decline or 50 fewer murders committed than this time.

Following are the police divisions and numbers of registered murder cases in Jamaica,

• St James police division reported 41 cases
• 29 reports have been registered at St Catherine South
• Westmoreland murder cases reached at 28
• St Andrew South filed 25 reports
• St Ann with 21 lawsuits
• 21 homicides were noted at Clarendon

These are the top five divisions with the highest number of homicides. It is to be noted that the division of Portland has the least number of murder cases, with only two reports.

The JCF reports further disclosed that there are three per cent increase in the shooing incidents, while robberies are raised by the one per cent, as compared to the last year 2023.

It is worth mentioning that rape incidents and break-ins have seen a reduction in its case by 37 percent and six percent, respectively.

The new Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, considered as Jamaica’s 15^th top cop touched several topics of concern related to an increase in the number of homicides and other criminal activities at the JCF’s first quarterly press briefing.

He said that the police department is working diligently and dedicatedly to remove the illegal guns from the streets. Commissioner Blake expressed his commitment to work continuously for the citizen’s security.

They are focusing on tackling the problem of illegal imports of illegal firearms and ammunition in the country and adopting every possible measure regarding the issue.

While speaking in the press briefing, Commissioner of Police- Blake added that there is a seven percent increase in gun seizures, while a 41 percent increase in ammunition seizures.

Additionally, Blake ensures that every effort will be made to curb the problem of criminal activities in the country. People across the country express their concerns about the current situation of crimes in Jamaica.

“Seriously 300 murders since 2024!!! Have mercy on our country!!! Down 14 percent!!! Lives don’t matter in our country”, quoted one FB user.