THE St Catherine North Police Division, which covers usually troubled communities such as Spanish Town, Linstead and Bog Walk, has recorded its lowest number of murders in over three decades, with just seven deaths reported in the first quarter of this year.

Speaking at the New Life Community Church International (NLCCI) Worship Centre in Spanish Town, St Catherine, on Sunday, Division Commander Hopton Nicholson said the milestone reflects sustained and targeted efforts by the police to disrupt criminal activity and steer vulnerable individuals away from violence.

“I can tell you for the first quarter of this year with seven murders, it is the lowest [it has been] in the past three decades where St Catherine North has single-digit murders for the first quarter… Just eight years ago the first quarter was like 52 murders, so you see where we are coming from,” said Nicholson.

He explained that St Catherine North’s geographic location and its network of major roadways made it particularly susceptible to criminal movement, but said that strategic policing plans have been implemented to counter this challenge.

Nicholson also pointed to a series of intervention programmes aimed at addressing crime at its roots, particularly among young people.

He highlighted the Peace in Schools Ambassador project which identifies students with leadership potential — including those considered ‘at risk’ — and by working with other stakeholders equips them to become positive influences within their institutions.

Nicholson added that the division has also intensified efforts to reduce loitering among students, encouraging safer routines between home and school, and is also expanding its youth academic and mentorship programme.

“[Under] our youth academic and mentorship programme we started out targeting vulnerable children from communities that do not have the know-how, and we have a sergeant by the name of Howard Dyer who teaches math and other subjects. Last year we had an 80 per cent CSEC [Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate] pass for mathematics,” said Nicholson.

The division commander also highlighted the Brown’s Hall Police Youth Club which he said provides structured engagement for young people and hosts anti-gang workshops targeting youth who are exposed or vulnerable to gang activity, with the aim of redirecting them from criminal involvement.

He also underscored the importance of collaboration with justices of the peace (JPs) as he noted that their reach within communities has strengthened the police’s ability to influence behaviour and promote lawfulness.

“A society that dispels justice in an equitable manner requires people who care enough to act. It is shaped by those who refuse to ignore inequality, injustice, and bipartisan behaviour. A just society it is created by individuals who choose to lift up others instead of putting them down.

“Each of us have the power to contribute to that vision in our various districts, towns, communities and, by extension, our parish. I encourage all of us to strive to pursue justice with integrity and to serve others with compassion. Integrity and to serve others with compassion,” emphasised Nicholson.

But even with the reduction in murders Nicholson underscored that the ultimate goal remains zero homicides, pointing out that continued cooperation between law enforcement bodies and citizens will be critical in sustaining the downward trend.

“Benjamin Franklin stated that justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are. We believe in the system of justice. You believe in the system of justice. We have worked together and we will continue to work together so that justice can be served in our beloved country,” said Nicholson.