Police Commissioner warns against complacency to sustain crime reduction

 

Warning against complacency if following the major reduction in murders, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake is urging members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to turn momentum into sustained maturity, rooted in discipline, unity and integrity.  

 

Speaking at the commissioner's annual devotion held at his Old Hope Road office in St. Andrew on Monday, Dr. Blake called for members of the force to move beyond the momentum and into maturity. 

 

"Last year, I challenged us to transform the present and secure the future. We were called to build on past gains, to pursue excellence in service and to walk in faith and unity with the Jamaican people. I am pleased to say, this morning, that you rose to that challenge. Across the organisation, we saw tangible progress in our transformation agenda, improvements in operational effectiveness and strengthened partnerships with communities and stakeholders. In many areas of crime reduction, citizen engagement, professionalism and internal reform, your work made a real and measurable difference, and for that I commend you," he told the members of the force. 

 

Official police data showed that murders declined by 41% in 2025, with 673 homicides recorded up to December 31 - the lowest annual murder total in 31 years, and the first time the figure has fallen below 700 in more than three decades. 

 

It's the third consecutive year of decline in murders. 

 

Against the backdrop of declining murders, the commissioner outlined three charges to the force, beginning with the need to strengthen the individual officer at every level. Policing, he said, is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually demanding, requiring intentional investment and wellness, discipline and character. 

 

His second charge focused on strengthening bonds within the police force with communities and other stakeholders. 

 

"Colleagues, unity doesn't just happen, it is cultivated. We must strengthen trust among ranks, across divisions and between leadership and frontline members. Just as importantly, we must continue to deepen our relationship with the Jamaican people, listening, engaging, partnering and reassuring. When our bonds are strong, we operate better, we communicate better, we serve better and we understand each other better. Trust, once built, becomes a force multiplier in maintaining peace and safety," he asserted.

 

However, the fall in murders coincided with a sharp rise in fatal police shootings, with 310 people killed by the security forces in 2025 - almost all by the police. This represented a 64 per cent increase over the previous year, according to figures from the Independent Commission of Investigations.