Murders in Jamaica fell by 127 between January 1 and October 6, with National Security and Peace Minister Dr Horace Chang reporting continued declines in killings across the country.
Addressing the House of Representatives on October 6, Chang said Jamaica recorded 407 murders so far in 2026, compared with 534 during the corresponding period last year — a reduction of 24 per cent.
The country recorded 123 murders between July and September, which he described as the lowest quarterly total in more than three decades.
September accounted for 36 murders, the lowest monthly figure in more than 30 years. It was also the fourth month this year in which the country recorded 40 or fewer killings.
Chang said five of the first nine months of 2026 ranked among the lowest monthly murder totals recorded in more than three decades.
He contrasted the third-quarter figure with previous monthly totals, noting that Jamaica recorded 134 murders in May 2024 and averaged 137 murders per month in 2017.
Chang attributed the decline to sustained government policies and investment in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, including increased personnel and improvements in infrastructure, technology, equipment and mobility.
He commended the police and acknowledged support from the Jamaica Defence Force, other law-enforcement agencies, private-sector and international partners, and citizens.
Despite the gains, Chang said the Government remains focused on sustaining the reduction.
“While we recognise these gains, we will not become complacent. Our responsibility now is to protect and deepen them,” he said.
The minister also highlighted investment in training through the Caribbean Military Academy, National Police College of Jamaica and Caribbean Correctional Academy, which he said will help strengthen professionalism and leadership across the security services.
Chang said infrastructure projects will continue despite the economic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The Westmoreland Divisional Headquarters is expected to be completed by December, while the St Catherine North Divisional Headquarters will follow at a later stage.
He also indicated that a contract for the Specialised Operations West project will be signed before the end of the fiscal year, alongside continued investment in transportation, communications, technology and cybersecurity.
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