Unwavering Commitment in Combating Crime and Violence

The Government’s commitment was unwavering in tackling crime and violence through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology and equipment.

Technology in Crime Fighting

Prime Minister Andrew Holness looks at a specimen through a microscope at the JCF’s technology exposition at the National Arena in Kingston. Observing (from left) are: Forensic Ballistics Expert, Assistant Superintendent of Police Miguel Bernard; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey; Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang; and Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson.
State Minister for National Security, Hon. Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, engages with a student at a summer camp organized by the Ministry.
New Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) constables at the passing out parade at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.

• Digitisation of the police force continued with implementation of the electronic Station Records Management and Case Management Systems.

• JCF acquired equipment valued at $30 million to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities.

• Computers valued at US$700,000 were procured under the Security Strengthening Project (SSP), funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

• Additional body-worn cameras were procured for the police, with more than 400 deployed. Ten of the 19 police divisions were outfitted with cameras.

• More than 750 Traffic Ticket Management System (TTMS) handsets and 750 mobile handheld printers were handed over to the JCF.

Vehicles Acquired

• 74 motorcycles were added to the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB). With this addition, PSTEB now boasts a fleet of 435 motorcycles.

• 25 new vehicles were acquired for the JCF.

• Japan provided $428 million in grant aid to bolster the JCF’s mobility.

Police Facilities Built, Renovated

• Renovation and construction works conducted at 134 police facilities.

• Ten domestic violence centres, designed to assist with conflict resolution, were established at police stations islandwide.

Crimes Down

• 2023 recorded the lowest number of serious crimes, murders, shootings, rape, robberies and break-ins reported in approximately 22 years.

• Serious crimes in 2023 declined by 10 per cent relative to the previous year, with murders down by 7.8 per cent; and robberies and break-ins, 14 per cent.

• Of the 2970 major crime incident reported, 1453 were cleared through arrests.

• Over 517 persons were arrested for murder and over 600 murder cases were cleared; 385 persons were arrested for shooting and over 418 shooting cases were cleared; 994 persons were arrested for sexual offences, while 980 cases were cleared.

• 23 service dogs were added to the Canine Division.

• $10.2 million was paid out in Crime Stop rewards.

New Police Recruits

• Approximately 829 new con- stables of the JCF trained, 54 new correctional officers and 392 Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) new members graduated.