The Minister of National Security and Peace, Honourable Dr. Horace Chang, is today commending the men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for achieving a historic reduction in murders in January 2026. He described the outcome as the result of sustained, intelligence-led policing supported by strategic investments and policy direction from the Ministry of National Security and Peace.
January 2026 recorded 33 murders, representing a 55 per cent reduction compared to January 2024, and marking the lowest January murder figure recorded in the country in more than 40 years. This outcome reflects continued national progress in strengthening public safety and building the conditions for peace, following the significant crime reductions recorded throughout 2025.
“These results did not happen by chance,” the Minister said. “They reflect years of focused policy reform, targeted resourcing, and coordinated operational planning between the Ministry and the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Our approach has been to strengthen institutional capacity, modernise policing practices, and ensure that crime reduction is pursued in a way that supports long-term stability and peace.”
The Minister noted that January’s performance builds on a record-breaking 2025, during which Jamaica achieved a 41 per cent reduction in murders (falling below 700 for the first time since 1994), along with a 31 per cent decline in shootings and a 17 per cent decrease in overall major crimes. Additionally, there has been an exceptional 92 per cent clearance rate for murder cases.
He said these trends point to improved investigative capacity and a highly motivated police force.
“This transformed police force is firmly focused on proactive, intelligence-led operations designed to disrupt gangs and organised criminal networks, remove repeat offenders from our streets, and restore public confidence because peace is built when citizens feel protected, institutions are trusted, and justice is consistently applied,” Dr. Chang said.
The Minister emphasised that sustained effort will be required to protect these gains and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuing support for the JCF through policy leadership, institutional reform, and investment in both enforcement and prevention strategies.
“Our crime reduction efforts must be sustained,” he continued. “We will continue to resource and support the police, strengthen accountability frameworks, and deepen community engagement to ensure these gains are secured, sustained, and built upon throughout 2026 and beyond”.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to the Police High Command, officers across the island, and all security partners for their role in advancing national security and contributing to a more peaceful Jamaica.
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