The island’s top police is promising greater collaboration among law enforcement agencies as the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) aims to achieve more than a 13 per cent reduction in major crimes for 2023.

Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, disclosed during the JCF’s virtual quarterly press briefing on Tuesday (October 3), that major crimes between January 1 and September 30 were reduced by 13 per cent.

“Murders were down 12 per cent, which translates to 141 less persons killed; shooting incidents [were] down nine per cent; rape, down 18 per cent, and robberies, [down] 17 per cent,” he outlined.

The police chief said interpersonal violence accounted for 21 per cent of total homicides while 66 per cent were attributable to gang-related murders.

“This is a shift from the 70-plus per cent attributable to gangs as our counter-gang measures take effect,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anderson said more than 500 illegal weapons have, so far, been recovered this year.

“Illegal guns continue to be the weapon of choice for the criminals,” he pointed out, noting that 84 per cent of murders are still committed by the use of firearms.

The Commissioner acknowledged the work of police officers who are dealing with major gang cases and those in the Divisions who are also making the effort to deal with the collective gang situation. The country’s top cop said the JCF will continue to partner with critical stakeholders in the fight against crime.

“As we begin the final quarter of this year, we remain resolute in our drive to save as many lives as possible, to continue our efforts against gangs and violent criminal organisations and end the year with reductions in all major crimes,” he assured.

Greater collaboration

Anderson said the JCF anticipates “even greater collaboration and assistance from our local law-enforcement partners… as we close the year and move into next year”.

These, he indicated, include the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

“Most importantly, we are anticipating continued public support for our force,” the police commissioner underscored.