Murders in St. James decline since State of Emergency

 

There has been a 69 per cent decrease in murders in St. James since the State of Public Emergency was declared on January 18.

 

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ealan Powell, who is in charge of overseeing operations for the State of Emergency, said from January 1 to March 21, there were 17 reported murders in the parish. That was down from 54 during the corresponding period last year. 

 

For the period of the State of Public Emergency, ACP Powell said there have been seven murders, compared to 42 for the same period last year. 

 

There is also a 46 per cent decrease in shootings. Last year, there were 52, compared to 28 this year. 

 

For the period of the State of Public Emergency, ACP Powell said there have been 13 shootings, six of which were a result of one incident, compared to last year when there were 37 such cases. 

 

The senior cop, who was speaking Thursday at a meeting in Montego Bay, lauded the police's efforts, noting that progress is being made. 

 

"I believe if we continue to have these meetings and we continue to do what is right, we will the space being one that is peaceful, we'll see people being allowed to go about their business in peace, we'll see vending only in the areas designated for vending, we'll see a change in driver behaviour," he asserted.