While the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continues to be lauded for its work in reducing violent crimes, one senior cop has warned that more needs to be done to build public trust.

Speaking at the Palm Sunday worship under the theme ‘Men in Service’ at the Boulevard Baptist Church, in St Andrew, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Chambers said the JCF’s crime-fighting efforts over the past year have yielded historic gains, including a sharp decline in murders and violent crimes.

He noted that the reduction represents one of the most significant improvements in decades, with murders falling by 41 per cent, which is the lowest the figure has been in the past 30 years. Additionally, shootings and other serious crimes have also declined, alongside improvements in case clear-up rates.

“There were 742 fewer persons killed [in 2025], and added to that, there was a 91 per cent clear-up in murders, whilst shooting and other offences have seen a double-digit reduction, 31 per cent, and overall, there were 17 per cent reduction in major crime,” noted Chambers.

He also highlighted that the JCF has prioritised the well-being of its members with more than 1,000 promoted over the past year because of their continued dedication and high-quality service.

“There is continued enhancement of welfare and well-being of our members and improved staff development, which include a historic promotion of 1,126 persons for the year. Never has there been that many persons promoted in a calendar year,” he said.

However, Chambers told the congregation on Sunday that the progress made, though commendable, was incomplete.

“We still struggle with customer dissatisfaction. There is still inconsistent service delivery. We still have issues of fatal shootings to contend with, and so the work continues,” he said.

According to data provided by the Independent Commission of Investigations there were 76 fatal shootings by members of the security forces in 2025, and as of March 2026, Jamaica has recorded 25 killings by cops.

Chambers argued that building trust between the police and citizens must now become a central focus of the JCF’s transformation agenda.

“As we move forward, the focus now sharpens, and the transformation must be sustained, and progress must be deepened. These we can’t accomplish by ourselves, but with divine intervention and with your prayers, I’m sure we will achieve higher heights, and so we ask for your continued support, your continued prayers, and your continued encouragement with us as we move daily in our tasks, our roles, and our responsibilities,” Chambers told the congregation.

He argued that while the JCF has gained momentum in crime reduction, it must now transition to a more mature phase of policing that prioritises professionalism, and transparency.

“Today is a moment of reflection, a moment of renewal and recommitment. It’s a time when we pause not only to look back on the road that we have travelled, but to prepare our hearts, minds for the journey ahead and of course with God’s lead,” said Chambers.

— Renae Osbourne