Jamaica homicides drop 24% to 407 in 2026, lowest quarterly figures in 30 years

Jamaica recorded 407 homicides so far this year, a 24% drop from 534 in the same period last year. National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang delivered the update in Parliament on Tuesday.

Jamaica's murder toll falls sharply, Minister Chang reports lowest quarterly figure in over three decades

Jamaica has recorded 407 homicides so far this year, a 24 per cent decline compared to 534 during the same period in 2025, jamaica-gleaner.com reports. National Security and Peace Minister Dr Horace Chang delivered the figures during Tuesday's sitting of Parliament.

The July-to-September quarter stood out as particularly significant: 123 murders were logged — the lowest quarterly total in more than 30 years, Chang told lawmakers. September alone recorded 36 murders, the lowest monthly figure in over three decades, and the fourth month this year in which the country registered 40 or fewer killings.

"Madam Speaker, 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," Chang said.

The figures continue a multi-year downward trend. Jamaica recorded 1,515 murders in 2022, 1,406 in 2023, 1,148 in 2024 and 674 in 2025.

Chang said the Government remained committed to its security policies despite criticism, pointing to an expanded Jamaica Constabulary Force and investments in personnel, infrastructure, technology, equipment and mobility. Training and professional development have been channelled through the Caribbean Military Academy, the National Police College of Jamaica and the Caribbean Correctional Academy.

Despite the progress, Chang cautioned against complacency. "Madam Speaker, while we recognise these gains, we will not become complacent. Our responsibility now is to protect and deepen them," he said.

The Minister also called for improved standards in police-citizen engagement, stressing that enforcement should be professional, proportionate and respectful. The appeal comes against the backdrop of 228 people fatally shot by police since the start of the year — a figure that has raised concerns among human rights advocates.

"Our objective is to improve compliance while reducing unnecessary confrontation. Enforcement must be fair, efficient and transparent. This will allow our police officers to concentrate more of their resources on the most serious threats to life and property," Chang said.

Chang, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, identified a persistent culture of violence in sections of Jamaican society as a broader concern requiring long-term attention.

"Madam Speaker, there is a wider cultural change that we must pursue. We must restore a culture of peace in Jamaica. That is the Jamaica we know, and that is the Jamaica we must restore," he said.

Source: Google News JM — Crime