ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Norwood Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) has recorded no murders and no shootings since the start of 2025, a major crime-fighting achievement that lawmen say reflects the sustained impact of security strategies implemented since the zone was established in June 2021.

Last year, no murders were recorded in the Norwood ZOSO.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Keeble Simms, joint commander for the zones of special operations, disclosed the figures while speaking with Observer Online earlier this week, describing the performance of the zone as “exceptionally well” and a clear sign that the objectives of the initiative are being realised.

“Since the beginning of the year, there have been no recorded murders or shootings within the zone,” DSP Simms revealed.

He noted that the original mandate of the ZOSO— to reduce murders and major crimes, restore public safety, dismantle gangs and rebuild business and community confidence— is bearing fruits, including the repatriation of residents who once fled the area in the face of violence.

“When you look, a lot of persons who fled the community way back when it was war-torn, for want of a better term, they are returning. And you can see the development taking place right throughout Norwood with the Zone of Special Operation,” DSP Simms said.

The senior officer explained that the success is the result of a combination of intelligence-led policing, targeted operations and strategically placed checkpoints.

“One of the important things that has worked is the fact that the conceptualisers of the zone of special operation they were very much effective in doing the analysis, doing the crime pattern and identifying some critical and vulnerable points where they strategically placed the checkpoints,” he said, adding that the checkpoints “were able to complement the targeted approach that were also adopted”.

According to DSP Simms, the impact of these strategies is reflected in the wider St James Division, where the murder tally is now down.

“The Norwood Zone of Special Operation would have a significant contribution to that total performance within the division,” the senior cop explained.

He further pointed to the dismantling and weakening of criminal groups as one of the most significant gains.

“At the time, it was roughly about five named gangs in 2021. To date, the gangs have been for the most part dormant. We were unable to detect any organised groupings…a number of the key players have been incarcerated through very organised and focused investigations…and that stranglehold, the fear level generated by them to the residents has been lifted somewhat,” he said.

While expressing satisfaction with the progress, DSP Simms warned against complacency.

“We are mindful of the fact that they can reorganise, so we won’t descend inside the state of complacency…We will continue to go surgically at those members that were affiliated,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2026, he said the security forces will intensify their operational posture while placing even greater emphasis on community relations.

“Our commitment to the task at hand today is just to continue to double our effort going into 2026, but most importantly, we will seek to strengthen the relationship with citizens throughout the Zone of Special Operation…and increase also the relationship, especially with our key stakeholders,” he said.

He also issued a direct appeal to residents and remaining gang elements.

“We want to appeal to the citizens of Norwood to continue to support the effort of the security forces…and we are also encouraging them to take the lawful path, and to be a part of the transformation that has occurred since the inception of the Zones of Special Operations,” he said.

Corporal of Police Donovan Ross echoed the sentiment, crediting DSP Simms’ leadership for boosting morale and performance among the officers.

“Since Mr Simms has been here, we have seen significant progress. The staff is extra motivated, so we have that kick to go above and beyond, and for the rest of the year onwards we’re going to hold the space and we’re going to build that relationship with the public,” Corporal Ross argued.

— Horace Hines