Jamaica records sharp drop in murders in first weeks of 2026

Jamaica has recorded a significant reduction in murders in the opening weeks of the new year, with official figures showing a 45 per cent decline over a 17-day period, when compared with the same period last year.

According to the latest crime statistics, which were published by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Sunday, as of January 17, 2026, a total of 22 murders were recorded islandwide, down from 40 for the corresponding period in 2025.

The figures reflect continued momentum following last year’s overall decline in violent crime, though authorities caution that challenges remain.

Despite the overall reduction, last week saw an uptick in deadly violence.

Ten people were killed violently between January 10 and January 17, marking the first week since the start of the year in which murders reached double digits.

The previous week recorded eight murders.

The country averaged 13 murders per week in 2025, ending the year with 673 murders, the lowest in 31 years.

Meanwhile, nine of the island’s 19 police divisions remain murder-free so far this year, highlighting uneven crime trends across the country.

St James and St Elizabeth police divisions currently top the list for murder counts, with four homicides each since the start of the year.

Other divisions have reported either isolated incidents or none at all.

Police data also show that most major crimes are trending downward, with reductions recorded across categories such as shootings, injured persons, break-ins and rape.

Robbery, however, remains an area of concern, standing as the only major crime category not showing a decline.

Robberies increased by 10 per cent.

As at January 17, there were 23 reported incidents when compared to 21 in 2024 for the period under review.

The police say they are continuing targeted operations and community-based interventions aimed at sustaining the downward trend in violent crime, while addressing emerging threats and high-risk targets in certain areas.

- Andre Williams

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