KINGSTON, Jamaica — Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has commended the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for what he described as one of the most significant quarterly declines in murders in decades.

Writing in his weekly Commissioner’s Corner column last week, Dr Blake revealed that murders continued to trend downwards.

“As of yesterday, Thursday July 24th, 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 comes amid a similar sustained downward trend in major crimes across the island since the start of the year. According to Dr Blake, overall major crimes have declined by 16 per cent year-to-date.

Commissioner Blake credited the reduction in violent crime to the dedicated efforts of police officers across all divisions. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining the current pace of operations.

“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.

The JCF’s strategy has focused on deterrence and targeted operations aimed at key violence producers. These initiatives have been bolstered by intelligence-led policing, stronger community engagement and increased collaboration with partner agencies.