Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang says Jamaica is on a path to long-term sustainable reduction in crime.
“We are not just reducing crime; we are changing the trajectory,” Minister Chang declared.
The Security Minister made the statement in the Houses of Parliament earlier today (April 29) while delivering his 2024/2025 Sectoral Presentation.
He noted that Jamaica has seen 132 fewer lives lost since January 1 to April 27 of this year representing a 37 per cent decline in murders when compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
“Even more compelling, is that major crimes such as murder, shooting, rape, robbery, and break-ins have now fallen for the sixth consecutive quarter, starting from the third quarter of 2023,” the Security Minister said.
Minister Chang emphasised that the JCF continues to make significant strides in its strategic efforts to combat gangs while dismantling criminal networks.
He added that since the start of the year, sixty-three (63) gangs have been impacted through investigations and operational efforts.
“In addition, 159 known gang members have been arrested, thirty-four (34) members aligned to gangs were charged for applicable offences, which includes murder, firearm breaches and lottery scamming and fifteen (15) gang members have been charged under the ‘Anti-Gang’ Legislation,” Minister Chang explained.
Furthermore, the security minister noted that a total of eighty-five (85) gangs were identified as active across all nineteen (19) police divisions in the first Quarter of 2025. This, he stated represents a significant reduction when compared to the 120 active gangs that were recorded during the same period in 2024.
Minister Chang pointed out that the relentless focus on gangs and their weapon of choice, the gun, is paying dividends.
He mentioned that 356 firearms were seized between January 1 and April 26, 2025 marking a 21 per cent increase over the same period last year. Additionally, 9605 rounds of ammunition have been recovered so far this year, representing a 130 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Importantly, the reduction in crime is as a result of the strengthening of the legislative framework as well as significant investments in law enforcement mobility, technology and infrastructure. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has also seen substantial increases in the number of police personnel and notable improvements in leadership.
“This downward trend is a clear indication that our strategy is gaining traction and delivering tangible results in dismantling criminal networks and disrupting their operations. We are taking the fight to the gangs and we are winning,” Minister Chang explained.
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