Jamaica, often associated with high crime rates globally, has seen a glimmer of improvement in recent years, according to data. Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson, leading the force since 2018, attributes this progress to collaborative and innovative strategies. Despite the concerning statistic of 8,327 Jamaicans murdered in the past six years, 2023 witnessed an almost 8% decline, signaling positive strides in crime management.
Anderson highlighted a notable decrease in major crimes: shootings down by 6%, rapes by over 17%, and robberies by 15%. Speaking on the weekly radio program “JCF NOW” last Thursday, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of amplifying efforts in 2024, sending a warning to criminals about the imminent consequences they will face. A recent Don Anderson poll indicates public belief that poverty, corruption, gangs, and unemployment contribute to the country’s crime prevalence. Meanwhile, the Crime Monitoring and Oversight Committee (CMOC) is updating the National Consensus on Crime document, with Chairman Lloyd Distant noting that about 60% of the 2020 goals have been achieved.As Jamaica works towards a safer future, the decline in major crimes, coupled with ongoing initiatives, suggests a positive trajectory in the nation’s crime-fighting efforts.
Major Crimes Decline (Comparison between 2022 and 2023):
Shootings:
– 2022: 1,171
– 2023: 1,101
– 6% Decline
Rapes:
– 2022: 498
– 2023: 411
– 17.5% Decline
Robberies:
– 2022: 921
– 2023: 780
– 15.3% Decline
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