High risk offenders being targeted for continued crime reduction in 2025 - Blake

By Clinton McGregor    

 

Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake says the Police High Command will be ramping up efforts to target high risk offenders as part of crime reduction strategies for 2025.

 

In his 2024 year in review, Dr. Blake commended the officers in the 19 police divisions across the island for their efforts to combat crime.

 

Dr. Blake pointed to the reduction in murders St. James which has consistently lead the country in homicides.

 

St. James has so far recorded 125 homicides compared with 187 for the similar period last year.

 

Dr. Blake says the High Command is encouraged by the crime reduction in Area 1 which covers western Jamaica.

 

"Area 1, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenn Miller, has shown exceptional performance with all divisions recording reductions in major crimes. St. James, often a focal point for crime reduction initiatives, Superintendent Eron Samuels and his team have worked to produce a 9?cline in overall major crimes with a very significant 34% reduction in murders. 

 

"Similarly, Westmoreland, under the superintendence of SP Othneil Dobson, demonstrated steady progress with a 24% drop in major crimes, including a 14% reduction in murders. In Hanover, the efforts of Superintendent Andrew Nish and his management team to address crime [had] more tangible results as the parish achieved a robust 35% reduction in murders," touted the police commissioner.