Jamaica’s murder toll continues to trend downwards as the government has reported a 24 per cent decline so far in 2026. 

During a ministerial speech in the House of Representatives on October 6, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, said Jamaica recorded 407 murders, compared with 534 over the corresponding period in 2025.

He highlighted period July to September where 123 murders, which represents 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,” he said.

He noted that five of the first nine months of 2026 were among the lowest monthly murder totals recorded in more than three decades.

Chang said that the first three quarters of 2026 were the lowest quarterly murder totals recorded over that period.

“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,” he said.

“For decades, high levels of murder and violence became tragically normalised in our society. We are now seeing a sustained reversal of that trend. The Government remained committed to its policies even when they were questioned and criticised. We increased the strength of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. We invested in its people, infrastructure, technology, equipment and mobility. We provided our police officers with the resources they needed and the operational space to do their jobs effectively.”

The minister commended members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Defence Force, other law-enforcement agencies for their efforts to make the country safe. 

Chang said the Government is commented to ensuring the downward trend continues. 

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

He noted that the Government has invested significantly 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.

The Minister said that these institutions are strengthening professionalism, leadership and excellence across our security services. 

“They are designed to build a new culture as we train our own security personnel to the highest level inculcating a new culture, new approach that will ensure the gains we are making now will be sustainable in the future,” he said.

Despite the economic shock caused by Hurricane Melissa, Chang said the Ministry will continue to build out the physical infrastructure of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and, indeed, the entire security team.

“We opened the Caribbean Correctional Academy a couple weeks back and intend to complete the Westmoreland Divisional Headquarters by December of this year and St. Catherine North Divisional Headquarters will come at a later stage as we continue improving police facilities across the country. We will ensure that infrastructure and the equipment required in transportation, communication, technology and cybersecurity, as we build out the C5 centre, will be available for a modern progressive Police Force,” he said.