Manchester, Jamaica-Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester Central, Rhoda Crawford has commended the Manchester police for the reported 53 per cent reduction in major crimes across the parish so far this year, when compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) serious crime report, one murder, the result of a domestic dispute, has been recorded in the parish this year compared to five during the same period last year.

“I am delighted that the professionalism, determination and hard work of the policemen and women, particularly the leadership being provided by the police high command here in Manchester, have been bearing fruit and have had considerable impact in restoring a sense of normality in my constituency,” said Crawford.

“I am mindful that some of the interventions and measures the police have had to employ over recent months have caused inconvenience to business operators and citizens alike. This opportunity is being taken, however, to make a special appeal to my constituents and the citizens of Manchester as a whole to keep faith with the police and continue to support them in the lawful and professional conduct of their duties,” Crawford added in a statement on Saturday.

The first-term MP said there is no place for criminality and lawlessness in Manchester Central and the wider parish as it undermines social and economic development and adversely affects citizens as they go about their lawful business.