MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Commanding Officer for the Manchester Division, Superintendent Carey Duncan, has praised the work of detectives in the parish, noting that the quality of investigations being carried out is directly translating into strong conviction rates before the courts.

In a release from the Constabulary Communications Network (CCN), Superintendent Duncan said the division’s recent success is rooted in what he described as the “highest quality” information and intelligence apparatus, combined with investigative capacity and operational agility that allow police to identify, arrest and charge the right individuals.

“We have the ability, the capability to build airtight cases. Cases that we know, when they are brought before the court, we will certainly secure convictions,” he said.

Speaking with CCN, the divisional commander disclosed that since the start of the current court circuit, 11 persons have been convicted in Manchester, including three for murder. Sentences have ranged from 15 to 35 years’ imprisonment. Duncan noted that convictions have also been secured for a range of other criminal activities across the division.

“We take pride in Manchester in bringing matters before the court,” he said.

The superintendent sought to reassure residents that Manchester remains “a very, very safe place,” despite challenges in limited areas outside the town centre.

“Mandeville, the general Manchester area, is indeed a very safe place at this time,” he said, noting that up to the end of January last year, there had been no murders recorded within the town centre itself.

Addressing recent violent incidents, Superintendent Duncan said investigations have already resulted in the arrest of one suspect, with police confident that charges will be laid. He also appealed to another person of interest to voluntarily report to the police.

“We are still asking that he makes the conscious decision and turn himself in to us. We certainly want to ask him some questions; questions that we believe will help us to advance our investigation,” he said.

The divisional commander cautioned against any perception that violent crime can be committed in Manchester with impunity. “I don’t want persons to believe that it’s okay to commit violent acts in Manchester with the hope that they will get away,” he said. “Our investigative processes in Manchester are of the highest quality, and we’re seeing where that has played out in terms of arrests and convictions.”

Duncan also issued a warning to criminal suspects against engaging police officers with violence, stressing that the preferred outcome is arrest and prosecution rather than deadly confrontation.

“If it is that we have any reason at all to come for you, it is very unwise that you will raise your weapon at us,” Superintendent Duncan said. “Certainly, we will be responding; and responding quite effectively.”

“It is in your interest to surrender peacefully. We want you to live to have your day in court,” he added.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the gains made will be built upon in the coming year. “What we saw last year is nothing compared to what we believe we will achieve in 2026,” said Duncan.

He stressed that the results in the Manchester Division reflect the wider emphasis within the Jamaica Constabulary Force on intelligence-led policing, strong case-building and securing justice through the courts.