Jamaica records 25% drop in murders at 2026 midpoint, with mixed divisional trends

Jamaica has recorded a 25% decline in murders at the halfway stage of 2026, based on Jamaica Constabulary Force data up to July 5. The figures show 275 murders this year, compared with 362 over the same period in 2025.

The national decline, however, is not even across the island. Seven police divisions have registered increases in murders, while 12 divisions reported reductions. St. Elizabeth remains one of the most difficult areas so far this year, with murders rising by 140%. The division has logged 17 murders up to July 5, compared with seven during the corresponding period last year.

At the other end of the trend, St. Andrew North has posted the largest reduction in killings, with a 74% fall in murders.

Shooting incidents are also lower. The JCF recorded 272 shootings after July 5, down from 375 at the same point in 2025, representing a decline of nearly 30%.

Remarks included in the report urged Jamaicans to strengthen support for the security forces as they push through the second half of the year. The same comments warned criminal elements that the Government and security forces intend to keep applying the measures credited with the decline in murders and do not plan to ease that approach.

The statements also said the administration wants the downward trajectory to continue, and credited deliberate policy work by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Dr. Horace Chang as part of the base for successive years of improvement.