THE St James Police Division has recorded a significant decline in m urders this year, a development attributed to intensified law enforcement operations and strengthened community partnerships.

Commanding officer, Senior Superintendent of Police Eron Samuels, said his team has been pushing hard in terms of working with residents, resulting in a decline in murders of more than 58 per cent.

According to data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, St James recorded approximately 36 murders up to August 18, down from 87 during the same period last year.

Samuels explained that the division’s strategy combines visible street patrols with targeted operations aimed at known offenders involved in major crimes.

“We are ensuring a strong police presence, particularly in areas with high crime, and establishing strong working relationships with the communities,” the senior officer added.

He emphasised the role of intelligence-led policing in the division’s strategy, stating that, “everything that we do is intelligence-led”.

“Even during traffic operations, we encourage our officers to incorporate an intelligence aspect,” the top cop said. “This allows us to understand the landscape and ensures that we have information about criminal activity on the ground.”

Samuels said the division’s operations also target gang-related crime, “because St James has… many gangs”.

He said technology continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing crime prevention efforts, with the division expanding its use of surveillance camera systems and drone technology.

“We are looking to expand our current cadre of drone pilots to incorporate drones in patrols by late this year to early next year,” Samuels said.

He said the St James division maintains robust engagement with youth and community stakeholders, with police youth clubs that serve as a gateway between the police and young people.

“We are trying innovative ways to keep them engaged and even help them develop businesses or other opportunities within their communities,” he explained.

And he underscored the importance of sustained collaboration with local organisations.

“Through municipal corporation meetings and other committee engagements, people have opportunities to speak with our officers about issues they are facing,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said the division will maintain its strategic focus on the principal actors driving violent crime in St James.

— JIS