The Jamaica Constabulary Force continues to work assiduously to rid the nation’s streets of guns, gangs and gunmen. In a bid to achieve the Constabulary’s mandate, Crime Stop is encouraging the public to continue to share information with the Police.
In 2023, for the first time in the Force’s history, the JCF has issued over JMD 10 million in rewards to citizens; in comparison to JMD 5 million for the previous years. Additionally, in 2023 over JMD 30 million was recovered in properties by the Constabulary. This is a milestone, and we intend to strengthen the partnerships with our various stakeholders as the JCF undergoes its transformation processes.
Three hundred and eight tips were received from citizens island wide about firearms. Information was shared about two hundred and sixty-five gunmen and one hundred and one wanted persons in relation to various crimes committed across the country. Eighty-four tips were tabulated for lottery scamming cases, forty-two in relation to murders and six tips which lead to the recovery of several stolen motor vehicles. As a result of tips shared with the JCF, forty-four firearms were also seized in 2023.
Noticeably, the partnership generated an increase in the number of tips received regarding escapees from different penal facilities; thirteen in 2023, compared to two in 2022. The JCF hereby reminds residents that it is an offense to harbour a fugitive and persons found in breach will receive the full extent of the law. The public is being urged to continue sharing information anonymously to assist the police in making communities safer and apprehend those wanted for the varying crimes.
