Jamaica records 407 murders so far this year as opposition questions police shootings

KINGSTON, Jamaica. Jamaica has recorded 407 murders so far this year, compared with 534 in the same period of 2025, National Security Minister Horace Chang has told Parliament.

Chang said 123 murders were recorded between July and September, and 36 in September, the lowest monthly total in more than 30 years.

He said five months of 2026 recorded some of the lowest murder totals in over three decades, and that each of the first three quarters had the lowest figures for their respective periods in more than 30 years.

Concerns over security force shootings

Opposition lawmakers raised concerns about fatal shootings by the security forces, citing 311 deaths in 2025 and at least 231 by October 6 this year. They also questioned delays in introducing body-worn cameras.

Chang acknowledged the concerns but said officers must respond when their lives are threatened. He cited an incident in Mount Salem in which a gunman fatally shot by police had injured three officers.

"Any loss of any Jamaican life is a concern; it's a question of the circumstances," he said.

"My understanding, and I will say it again, [is that] as the homicide rate gets lower, the likelihood is that fatal shootings by the police will go lower," he added. He said police shootings were based on intelligence rather than impulsive decisions.

Government credits its policies

The minister attributed the fall in murders partly to the disruption of violent criminals, some of whom have been imprisoned while others have left the region.

He credited government policies and investment in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, including personnel, infrastructure, technology and equipment, and highlighted training programmes at regional security institutions aimed at improving professionalism and leadership.

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