Government’s Vision and Investment Continue to Drive Historic Crime Reduction
“My administration has invested unprecedented levels of funding in the JCF, averaging $9.7 billion annually. This is three times the amount expended by previous administrations.”
– Prime Minister Holness
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Prime Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness has declared that Jamaica’s historic decline in crime is the direct result of bold leadership, vision, strategic investment, and a relentless commitment to national security by his administration.
Official figures for February 2025 reveal there were 47 murders, the lowest on record since 2000.
Prime Minister Holness emphasized that this administration’s multi-billion-dollar investments in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have transformed law enforcement, delivering modern infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and intelligence-driven crime-fighting strategies.
“My administration has invested unprecedented levels of funding in the JCF, averaging $9.7 billion annually. This is three times the amount expended by previous administrations. This was required to restore and upgrade the basic infrastructure to modern, citizen-friendly facilities, upgrade transport, and replace equipment that had been left to deteriorate for decades,” said Prime Minister Holness.
Dr. Holness highlighted that the government’s investments in security have focused on technology, human capital, officer welfare, and accountability mechanisms.
The Prime Minister said the Project Rebuild, Overhaul and Construct (ROC), launched in 2019, has also transformed police facilities across the island, while intelligence-driven, data-supported policing strategies have enhanced crime-fighting efforts.
Prime Minister Holness also noted that national and community-level engagements, transparency in crime data, and social media outreach have strengthened public trust in law enforcement.
He added that the implementation of ISO 9001 quality management systems has significantly improved the professionalism and service standards of the JCF.
These policy-driven and operational factors have led to Jamaica’s sustained reduction in major crimes and homicides.
“The continual decline in homicide rates reflects the transformation of the JCF into a more capable, well-equipped, and highly trained force,” the Prime Minister stated.
In the meantime, Dr. Holness emphasized that while the government remains committed to ensuring state control over the use of force, criminals must recognize that they stand no chance against a united, well-trained police force.
“Criminal elements must understand that regardless of what kind of firepower they may have, they stand no chance against a highly trained constabulary that has the country behind it. Their best strategy is not to come into conflict with the police. They will lose. It is better to face a judge instead,” Dr. Holness asserted.
With a clear vision, continued investment, and strategic leadership, Prime Minister Holness said the government is committed to sustaining Jamaica’s progress in crime reduction and ensuring a safer future for all citizens.