Jamaica’s Murder Rate Falls to 24 per 100,000, Commissioner Urges Continued Focus
Jamaica’s murder rate has declined to 24 per 100,000 of the population, marking one of the most significant reductions in decades. This, according to Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake.
In his latest Commissioner’s Corner published in the weekly Force Orders to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Dr Blake said the downward trend reflects sustained operational effort and a broader cultural shift within the organisation and the society it serves.
“There is a saying that ‘good things come to those who wait,’ but I would argue that great things come to those who work tirelessly for them. And that, my colleagues, is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
For much of the past three decades, Jamaica’s murder rate has remained stubbornly in the 30s and 40s per 100,000 population. The current rate of 24 per 100,000 places the country closer to the regional average of 15 and signals measurable progress in violence reduction.
“We are now experiencing a murder rate of 24 per 100,000 of the population, which is almost within the regional average of 15,” the Commissioner noted.
However, he made clear that the present figures represent a milestone, not a destination. “It means colleagues, that our work must continue until we are within the global average of 5 per 100,000,” he said.
Dr Blake described the reduction as the result of collective effort across the Force, pointing to “the continued downward trend in major crimes, and in particular murders.” He also referenced what he termed a “cultural shift within our ranks and the broader public,” suggesting that enforcement strategies, leadership reform and public cooperation are converging to produce tangible outcomes.
At the same time, the Commissioner cautioned against premature celebration. “While we do not celebrate yet, we acknowledge the significance of these figures and take them as a reminder of our shared commitment,” he said. “These numbers represent lives – real people, and families whose grief we seek to prevent.”
He warned that progress must not lead to complacency. “This progress must not lull us into complacency. We cannot allow ourselves to settle for gradual change when we know we can do more,” Dr Blake said, adding that the organisation’s responsibility is “to achieve a transformative reduction in violence – not just for today, but for tomorrow.”
The Commissioner also reiterated the Force’s stance on accountability for violent offenders. “We must continue to send a clear message that those who choose to take a life will face the full force of justice,” he said. “The choice to harm is a conscious one, and the consequences of that choice must be undeniable, swift and certain.”
The JCF has been pursuing a strategy that combines intelligence-led policing, targeted operations, community engagement and institutional reform. Senior leadership has repeatedly emphasised that sustained reductions in violent crime require both enforcement and cultural change.
With the country now approaching regional benchmarks after years of elevated homicide rates, the Commissioner’s message underscores a dual reality: measurable progress has been made, and sustained discipline will determine whether Jamaica can close the remaining gap towards global standards.
For the JCF, the task ahead remains clear — consolidate the gains, deepen the transformation and continue the push towards safer communities across the island.
