Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has commended members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for their continued success in reducing violent crime, as the country records one of its most significant quarterly declines in murders in decades.

In his weekly Commissioner’s Corner column, Dr Blake reported that, with seven days remaining in the month, murders had decreased by 33 compared to the same period last July; an almost 43 per cent reduction.

The figure also represents a 33-case drop in murders so far for the third quarter of 2025.

“As at Thursday, July 24, and with seven days to go before the month ends, we have seen 33 murders less than the similar period in July last year. It also represents 33 murders less so far for the third quarter,” the commissioner stated. “This is an almost 43 per cent reduction for the month of July and the third quarter.”

The announcement follows a trend of sustained reductions in major crimes since the beginning of the year.

Overall, major crimes have declined by 16 per cent. Commissioner Blake credited the decline to the tireless efforts of police officers across all divisions and reiterated the importance of maintaining operational momentum.

“Remember colleagues, our aim is to keep the momentum going, and to continue to deny the gangsters freedom to kill and maim and hold our communities hostage,” he said.