St Catherine South records sharp crime decline as police cite community partnership

The Jamaica Constabulary Force says serious crimes are down significantly in the St Catherine South Police Division, with senior officers pointing to coordinated policing and stronger community ties as the main drivers.

Speaking on the JCF's Force for Good podcast, Assistant Commissioner of Police Howard Chambers and Senior Superintendent Leighton Gray said the division has posted a 68% fall in murders, a 63% drop in shootings, a 27% reduction in robberies and a 31% decline in break-ins.

Chambers said long-term progress depends on public confidence in the police. He argued that when people who are creating violence are arrested or removed from the parish, major crimes tend to fall, but added that those gains can only last with close cooperation between residents and law enforcement.

He also highlighted the Safe Schools initiative as a key prevention measure aimed at keeping young people away from gang activity. Chambers said police maintain regular contact with deans of discipline, principals and school administrators, with recurring meetings held through each term. He said school leaders across St Catherine North and South are able to reach commanding officers quickly when issues arise.

Gray said the division's performance reflects daily collaboration among operational teams and partner entities. He said those groups routinely review existing tactics and adjust strategy to keep pressure on criminal activity.

Based on the latest figures, the officers said they intend to continue that coordinated approach as part of a wider effort to maintain calm and improve safety for communities across St Catherine South.