ANCHOVY, St James — Achieving a 41.4 per cent reduction in murders across the nation since the start of the year, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it is now relentlessly pursuing 212 suspected trigger men, each linked to no less than three murders.

Detectives are also pursuing 127 active criminal gangs based in the country.

“Intelligence has pointed to 212 individuals across the island that have committed at least three murders. Our investigators are actively pursuing these cases with the ultimate goal of bringing them to justice,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Richard Stewart, head of the JCF crime and security portfolio, revealed.

“Additionally, intelligence also identified 127 active criminal gangs across the island, which require constant attention as we work to disrupt, degrade, and dismantle their operations,” he added.

DCP Stewart was speaking during Tuesday’s official opening of the newly constructed Anchovy Police Station in St James, built at a cost of $200 million.

Representing Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake, the senior cop revealed that since the start of the year, members of the JCF have laid 197 charges for murder, 148 for shootings, and almost 700 for breaches of the Firearms Act.

“Let me pause to point out that of the 664 firearm charges, 641 persons were, at the time of their arrest, in possession of a firearm,” he said.

Turning to the St James Police Division, Stewart noted that the parish has seen a 59 per cent reduction in murders this year. He anticipates that the investment in the new police station and increasingly strong ties with Anchovy residents will result in even more positive outcomes in the months ahead.

He maintained that the 41.4 per cent reduction in murders nationally is a result of a strong partnership between the JCF and the public, a factor which he described as essential to continued progress.

The senior cop acknowledged that public trust is fragile and shaped by both direct and indirect experiences. He also stressed that the police high command is taking deliberate steps to strengthen and protect that trust.

“To this end, we continue to reward officers who demonstrate professionalism and integrity, while at the same time act swiftly and impartially to hold accountable those whose actions damage the public trust. Let me also assure you that hard work is being done by our officers every single day to secure your safety and further enhance the trust,” Stewart said.

Ground was broken for the 5,300-square-foot, two-storey Anchovy Police Station in March 2022. The project was funded and managed by the National Housing Trust (NHT) under the Ministry of National Security’s Project Rebuild, Overhaul, and Construct (Project ROC).

During Tuesday’s ceremony, Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon made the point that the new facility is a product of Vision 2030 and complements efforts like Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO), JamaicaEye, and the Five Pillar Crime Strategy. He added that it marks a shift from reactive policing to sustained engagement, a concerted effort to reduce crime through restorative justice, youth diversion, and community intelligence where law enforcement meets civic trust.

The NHT’s Assistant General Manager, Construction and Development Alex Bernard, in his address pointed out that the new station features administrative offices, upgraded holding cells that meet human rights standards, comfortable living quarters for police, as well as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry area to support daily operations, among other amenities.

“We believe in the power of sustainability, and so the station will soon benefit from solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems, the plans of which are already in train,” Bernard added.

National Housing Trust Assistant General Manager, Construction and Development Alex Bernard speaking during Tuesday’s ceremony to mark the official opening of the new Anchovy Police Station in St James.

A view of the Anchovy Police Station before reconstruction.

The newly built state-of-the-art Anchovy Police Station in Anchovy, St James, which was officially opened on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. (Photo: JIS)