Murder figures inch up
THE latest police statistics show that, despite increased crime-fighting activities by the security forces, the murder figures continue to inch ahead of last year’s toll.
The January 1 to June 19, 2021 figures made available by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) this week show that the number of murders this year has grown by 3.8 per cent above last year’s figure, increasing from 638 to 662.
At the same time, shootings for the same period fell from 589 to 577 and robberies were down by 21.3 per cent, falling from 500 last year to now 426.
Security Minister Dr Horace Chang, in a debate in May on the anti-gang legislation amendments in Parliament, expressed confidence in the plans his ministry has been pursuing with the police force to reduce crimes, especially murders.
“In order to disrupt, suppress and ultimately dismantle the operations of criminal gangs, the security forces are targeting the leaders of these gangs, commonly referred to as the dons,” he told the House of Representatives.
He said the targeted efforts are also geared towards getting the guns they use to perpetrate their acts of criminality and violence, as well as their criminal proceeds.
“The Government has also prioritised the resourcing of our border security apparatus to ensure greater effectiveness and territorial control,” Dr Chang said then.
– Balford Henry