KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica has recorded a 24 per cent reduction in murders since the beginning of the year, even as questions were raised in Parliament about the number of people fatally shot by the security forces.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Horace Chang.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Horace Chang told the House of Representatives that 407 murders had been recorded as at that date, compared with 534 during the corresponding period in 2025.
Chang said 123 murders were recorded between July and September, the lowest quarterly figure recorded in more than three decades.
September recorded 36 murders, the lowest monthly total in more than 30 years, he said.
“It was the fourth month this year in which Jamaica recorded 40 or fewer murders,” Chang said.
He said five of the first nine months of 2026 were among the lowest monthly murder totals recorded in more than three decades, while the first three quarters of the year also recorded the lowest quarterly murder totals for the corresponding periods.
“Just a few years ago, 123 murders was a figure Jamaica could record in a single month. In May 2024, Jamaica recorded 134 murders. In 2017, the monthly average was 137 murders. Today, 123 murders represent an entire quarter,” Chang said.
However, the decline in murders was accompanied by questions from Opposition lawmakers about fatal shootings by members of the security forces.
The Opposition cited figures showing that 311 people were fatally shot by the police in 2025 and at least 231 had been fatally shot by the security forces as of October 6 this year. The figures were raised during questions to Chang about the high level of fatal police shootings and whether he supported the rapid implementation of body-worn cameras, particularly for targeted or planned special operations.
Chang acknowledged that fatal shootings remained a concern but said he believed they were linked to the circumstances in which security forces operate. He said police officers had to respond when their lives were at risk.
Chang pointed to a September 9 incident in Mount Salem, St James, in which three police officers were shot and injured by a gunman. The man was subsequently fatally shot by police.
“Any loss of any Jamaican life is a concern, it’s a question of the circumstances,” Chang said.
He argued that fatal police shootings were likely to decline as the homicide rate fell.
“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 said.
Chang also maintained that police officers were not acting impetuously but were responding to information and intelligence.
He said the reduction in homicides over the past two years was partly the result of the disruption of violent criminals, with some in prison and others having migrated to North and Central America and other Caribbean countries.
Chang said the Government was also committed to protecting the gains made in reducing murders.
“While we recognise these gains, we will not become complacent. Our responsibility now is to protect and deepen them,” he said.
He attributed the reduction to Government policies and investments in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, including resources for personnel, infrastructure, technology, equipment and mobility.
Chang said the Government had invested 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.
He said the institutions were intended to strengthen professionalism, leadership and excellence across the security services and help sustain the gains made in reducing crime.
