KINGSTON, Jamaica- Commissioner of Police Kevin Blake says there have been significant reductions in major crimes, including murder, across the country.

The commissioner shared that there had been an 18 per cent reduction in murders, a 10 per cent decrease in shootings while rape and robberies saw declines of 25 and 21 per cent each.

He was speaking during his year end address to the public on December 27 and claimed an intelligence driven approach as well as an increase in visibility were key factors in the results.

While declining to address the over 180 police killings this year, Blake says the majority of operations are carried out without bloodshed.

“The JCF’s clear preference is to bring persons before the courts to face justice rather than engage in fatal confrontations. This is evidenced by the numerous wanted persons and high-value targets who have been pursued, arrested, and brought before the court this year,” Blake said.

The commissioner stated the over 400 weapons from gunmen were seized without fatal consequences in support his claim.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) is currently investigating a series of police shootings including a recent triple killing in St James.

Blake also had sharp words for anyone questioning the figures presented by the JCF.

“There are some who seek to undermine our efforts by questioning the integrity of our data. Let me address this issue head-on. The statistics we present do not lie.
They are rigorously compiled, analyzed, and transparently shared with the public. To cast doubt on these figures is to erode the trust and confidence that we have painstakingly built over time,” Blake contended.

According to those statistics, the divisions with the most severe increases in murders were Manchester, with 17 per cent, and St Andrew North with a 14 per cent increase.

Sporting the most significant decreases in killings were Kingston Central at 40 per cent, St James and at 34 per cent, and Hanover and St Ann at 35 per cent.

Stressing to residents that their safety was a top priority, Blake also had a warning for criminals.

“To those offenders who believe they can evade the reach of justice, let me be clear. We know who you are, and our resolve will not waver, ” he warned.