Murders down in Westmoreland, St. James

 

Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Chambers, commanding officer for the Area One Police, has revealed that there has been a reduction in murders in some western parishes, arising from the use of states of emergency as a crime fighting tool.

 

This measure is currently in effect in the parishes of St. James and Westmoreland.

 

On Sunday, ACP Chambers told Radio Jamaica News that the police in both parishes have been seeing a reduction in major crimes.

 

He admitted however that there are some sections of Westmoreland not previously identified as crime hot spots, that are showing an increase in criminal activity.

 

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, over the period January 1, 2023 to  June 24, 2023, the St James police division recorded the highest number of murders across all police divisions with a total of 97 killings. This is nevertheless a reduction in comparison with the corresponding period last year when there were compare 111 homicides.

 

Westmoreland recorded the second-highest number of murders for the same period this year with a total of 57 such killings, as against 72 for the corresponding period in 2022.

 

ACP Chambers added that, while there appears to be an increase in non gang-related shootings and murders, the police are experiencing success in those investigations.