Jamaica has recorded a virtually 36 % decline in murders for the reason that begin of the yr, marking essentially the most important drop in homicides in over twenty years, in keeping with the most recent figures from the Jamaica Constabulary Power (JCF).
As of April 5, the island recorded 191 homicides—107 fewer than the 298 murders reported throughout the identical interval in 2024. The 35.9 % drop represents the bottom variety of murders in more than 25 years, in keeping with Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake. In his weekly tackle revealed within the Power Orders, Commissioner Blake emphasised that the primary quarter of 2025 is now the sixth consecutive quarter of falling homicide charges.
“That is essentially the most substantial discount in main crimes we’ve seen since 2001,” Dr. Blake famous, crediting the decline to ongoing funding in intelligence-led policing, technological upgrades, and strengthened partnerships throughout regulation enforcement and group networks.
A number of parishes see decline in main cimes
The sharpest discount in murders was recorded in St Elizabeth, the place homicides plummeted by 75 %—simply three murders this yr in comparison with 12 final yr. Different standout parishes embody Kingston Jap (down 66.7 %), Manchester (63.6 %), Trelawny (62.5 %), and St James (61 %). Even historically high-crime divisions reminiscent of St Catherine North, Kingston Western, Westmoreland, Clarendon, and Kingston Central recorded notable decreases.
Solely 4 of the 19 police divisions—Portland, St Mary, St Andrew South, and St Andrew North—reported will increase in homicides. Portland skilled the very best proportion soar, with a 200 % enhance, going from two murders final yr to 6 in 2025. St Andrew South, in the meantime, led the nation in whole murders, with 29 homicides—up from 25 final yr.
– Commercial –
Different critical crimes have additionally declined throughout the nation. Shootings are down 26 %, from 283 to 209 circumstances. Rape has seen the steepest fall, with a 57 % lower—from 129 circumstances final yr to 55 to date in 2025. Robberies additionally dropped by 7.9 %, from 190 to 175 circumstances.
The one exception to this downward development is break-ins, which rose by 26.5 %. A complete of 296 incidents had been reported as much as April 5, in comparison with 234 in the identical interval final yr.
General, the nation recorded 926 critical and violent crimes for the reason that begin of 2025—a decline of 18.3 % from the 1,134 incidents tallied final yr.
The Jamaica Constabulary Power says it stays targeted on constructing on these good points by way of focused enforcement, continued group engagement, and the strategic use of expertise.
