More massive investments coming in security both in infrastructure and capacity

Durrant Pate/Contributor

National Security and Peace Minister, Dr Horace Chang, is indicating with major crimes going down, public order is set to become the major imperative for the security forces.

Making a statement to Parliament this afternoon, Dr Chang made known that major investments are coming again to the police force, including the Specialised Operations West, which is a move from policy to implementation. He told the House of Representatives that the Government of Jamaica will shortly be signing a contract for that project before the end of this fiscal year.

“As we continue to reduce murders and other serious crimes, greater attention must now be placed on public order. We must ensure that the way in which the Police engage citizens is professional, proportionate and respectful. We want effective enforcement while maintaining a strong relationship between the Police and the public,” Dr. Change told the House.

He pointed to the development of the JCF Ticket Information Management System to support the administration of fixed penalty offences, promising to build on this platform and work with other Government agencies to strengthen the enforcement of the Noise Abatement Act, illegal vending and other public order offences.

Improving compliance while reducing confrontation

The objective is to improve compliance while reducing unnecessary confrontation. Enforcement must be fair, efficient and transparent, with the Security and Peace Minister, advancing that “this will allow our police officers to concentrate more of their resources on the most serious threats to life and property.” Dr Chang, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, emphasised that security is fundamental to national development, and as such, a safer Jamaica creates stronger communities, giving businesses and investors greater confidence, and improving the quality of life of our people.

In this regard, the task is to ensure that the progress being made in security translates into greater opportunities and prosperity for the Jamaican people. There is a wider cultural change, he cited, that is necessary for Jamaica to pursue, which is to restore a culture of peace in the country.

Pointing to the significant investment in the training and professional development of security personnel through the Caribbean Military Academy, the National Police College of Jamaica and the Caribbean Correctional Academy. These institutions, Minister Chang argued, are strengthening professionalism, leadership and excellence across Jamaica’s security services.

Despite the economic shock caused by Hurricane Melissa, the police force will continue to build out the physical infrastructure of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with completion set for the Westmoreland and St. Catherine North Divisional Headquarters and continue improving police facilities across the country.

This is in addition to addressing the transportation needs of the JCF, strengthening its communications systems and technological capabilities through its Recurrent Budget whilst ensuring officers have the legislative and institutional support required to perform effectively.

Latest crime figures

Dr. Chang brought the latest crime data to Parliament, showing that as at this morning, October 6, 2026, Jamaica recorded 407 murders, compared with 534 over the corresponding period in 2025. This represents a reduction of 24 per cent.

Between July and September, Jamaica recorded 123 murders. This is the lowest quarterly figure recorded in more than three decades. September recorded 36 murders, the lowest monthly total in more than 30 years. It was the fourth month this year in which Jamaica recorded 40 or fewer murders. 

Five of the first nine months of 2026 are among the lowest monthly murder totals recorded in more than three decades. Additionally, the first three quarters of 2026 are the lowest quarterly murder totals recorded over that period.