Since the beginning of the year, all serious crimes have decreased by 31%, and murders have decreased by 34% compared to the same period in 2022, according to the police.
Major General Antony Anderson, the commissioner of police, gave the numbers during a digital news conference on Tuesday, noting that shootings have decreased by 26%, rapes have decreased by 44%, and break-ins have decreased by 7%.
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He said that 65% of all homicides during that time period were the result of gang disputes.
“Interpersonal conflicts accounted for 22 percent, while three percent occurred in the furtherance of other criminal acts and 10 percent are still being determined,” he stated.
Major General Anderson noted, “we note the significant number of murders from interpersonal conflicts impacting police divisions and we renew our appeal to citizens – if you are aware of a domestic dispute or other interpersonal conflicts, report it to the police so we can intervene.”
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is now being expanded, according to the police commissioner, who then turned to other topics.
He stated that the organization is on track to reach its goal of recruiting more than 1,200 members by the end of the fiscal year and welcomed young people who want to have a good influence on society to apply to join the force.
The fleet of bikes, he added, has lately been expanded with payments to St. Catherine North, St. Andrew North, St. Elizabeth, and St. James.
He remarked, pointing out that the bikes enable speedy reaction in and around town centers, “We continue to train additional motorcycle drivers as we expand our quick-response team’s capability.”
