Holness: Steady decline in crime a result of proactive governance
Toriann Ellis / Our Today
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Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that Jamaica continues to experience a steady decline in serious crime as a result of sustained investment, structured planning, and a clear focus on enhancing national security.
Holness also highlighted the change in narrative regarding crime trends and public safety. “When crime was going up, there was no hesitation to assign blame. Now that the numbers are going down, they say the government can’t take credit,” he said.
The prime minister outlined the practical steps taken to equip law enforcement with the tools and infrastructure needed to operate effectively. This includes the growth of the police force from approximately 9,000 to over 14,000 officers.
Additionally, new and upgraded police stations have been delivered across the island, and communication systems and digital record-keeping have been modernised.
Also, mobility and logistical support have been improved.
“The police are better supported than they have ever been,” the prime minister noted. “That is not by accident. It is the result of consistent investment and structured leadership.”
He said that crime reduction is not a passive outcome but a product of deliberate choices made over time, backed by resources, policy, and execution. “You cannot separate results from the work that produced them. That is true in every sector, and it is true here,” the prime minister said.
Holness also emphasised that the government continues its long-term focus on citizen safety because the Jamaican people deserve to live and work in safe communities.
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