AUGUST RECORDS ONE OF JAMAICA’S LOWEST MURDER TOTALS IN 30 YEARS
Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake is lauding members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force
(JCF) for their part in Jamaica recording only 37 murders in August. It is one of the lowest monthly
totals in more than three decades.
The Commissioner said the JCF is also on course to record its lowest quarterly murder figure in
over three decades, as the third quarter enters its final month.
Writing in his weekly Commissioner’s Corner column in the Force Orders, Dr Blake credited
members of the Force for their response to the renewed drive to reduce murders.
“Our mission continues. I asked of you to make that final sprint in closing out 2026 and you have
responded. Thank you,” he said.
“August ended with 37 murders, one of the lowest monthly figures in over thirty years. We are now
in September, the final month of the third quarter, and are still on track to realise the lowest
quarter in over 30 years.”
The Commissioner cautioned, however, that the gains could not be taken for granted. He urged
police personnel to maintain their focus during what he described as a difficult period for the
organisation.
“To achieve this, however, we must remain true to the mission and remain focused, even in these
trying times,” he said.
Dr Blake acknowledged that recent circumstances had generated questions and concerns among
members of the Force.
“These are not ordinary times for us as a Force,” he said. “We are navigating circumstances that
have understandably generated questions, concerns and, in some quarters, disappointment.”
He called on members to remain guided by the values of the organisation and their responsibility
to the Jamaican public.
“Even in difficult moments, we must remind ourselves of who we are, what we stand for, and the
sacred responsibility that has been entrusted to us,” the Commissioner said.
