Jamaica murders drop 24% — 407 killings recorded through October 6

Jamaica has seen a 24% fall in murders so far in 2026, with 407 killings recorded compared to 534 in the same period last year.

Jamaica records lowest quarterly murder figure in over 30 years

Jamaica has logged a 24 per cent drop in murders since the start of 2026, jamaica-star.com reports, citing figures presented in parliament this week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, told the House of Representatives on Tuesday that as of October 6, Jamaica had recorded 407 murders — down from 534 over the same period in 2025.

Between July and September, the island recorded 123 murders, the lowest quarterly figure in more than three decades. September alone saw 36 killings, the lowest monthly total in over 30 years and the fourth month this year in which murders numbered 40 or fewer.

"Just a few years ago, 123 murders was a figure Jamaica could record in a single month," Chang said. "In May 2024, Jamaica recorded 134 murders. In 2017, the monthly average was 137 murders. Today, 123 murders represent an entire quarter."

Chang added that five of the first nine months of 2026 ranked among the lowest monthly murder totals in more than three decades, and that all three quarters of 2026 posted the lowest quarterly murder figures recorded over that span.

"For decades, high levels of murder and violence became tragically normalised in our society. We are now seeing a sustained reversal of that trend," he said.

The minister attributed the decline to sustained government investment in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), including spending on personnel, infrastructure, technology, equipment and mobility. He also commended JCF leadership and career officers for the execution of government programmes, and acknowledged the roles of the Jamaica Defence Force, other law-enforcement agencies, private-sector partners, international partners and citizens who have supported the national effort.

Chang also pointed to investments in training through the Caribbean Military Academy, the National Police College of Jamaica and the Caribbean Correctional Academy as contributing to the gains.

"While we recognise these gains, we will not become complacent. Our responsibility now is to protect and deepen them," he said.

Source: Google News JM — Crime