St. Catherine North police report 43 per cent murder decline

Police in St. Catherine North are reporting a sharp fall in murders, with the division said to be down 43 per cent after recording 12 killings compared with about 21 to 22 at the same point last year.

The update came in a discussion on policing in the division, where the focus was placed on stronger community partnerships, public education and deliberate action against people described as drivers of violence.

A police representative said divisions in ERA 5 are working under a mandate to strengthen communities and make them safer. In St. Catherine North, the approach has included outreach in schools, meetings with stakeholders and regular engagement with residents so citizens understand police objectives and how their cooperation fits into those plans.

The division was also described as being in a stronger position for business, with police and residents working together to limit opportunities for gangs and other criminal activity.

Officials linked the decline in murders to a planned mix of initiatives aimed at reducing the space for violence producers to operate. They said the current results are ahead of last year’s performance, despite doubts that the earlier gains could be repeated.