KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica has recorded 816 murders so far this year, according to figures released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
According to the JCF, 13 more persons were killed for the corresponding period January 1 to August 10, last year.
The JCF said that 11 of the 19 police divisions have reported increases with the St Andrew South Police Division, where a state of emergency (SOE) is in effect, more than 100 murders have been recorded.
The figures show a noticeable slowdown in the killings in the division which had seen 93 murders up to June 29 and only six since the SOE was imposed on July 7.
Clarendon with 89 murders comes second followed by St Catherine South and St James which have both recorded 81 murders.
The JCF is also reporting that shootings had increased by 11 per cent with 800 reported since the start of the yea.
In 2018, Jamaica recorded a total of 1 287 murders, a 22 per cent decline from the 1 641 recorded the previous year. (CMC)
