Big reduction in Kingston East murder toll

The Kingston East Division is reporting a 59 per cent reduction in murders, as of December 20, which its leadership said is bolstered by intensified operations and enhanced forensic capabilities.

Murders in the division dropped from 61 in 2024 to 25 since the start of the year, when compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Robberies also decreased, from 37 to 30. The division's detectives also reportedly cleared 34 murder cases. The reduction in violence is also directly linked to the seizure of illegal weapons. So far, 38 illegal firearms and 698 rounds of ammunition have been seized. The division's 'targeted apprehension' strategy also led to the arrest of 11 high-profile wanted persons, further disrupting criminal networks.

Head of the division, Superintendent Michelle Campbell, said saving lives is the priority, and her team will not stop working to keep Kingston East residents safe.

"The 59 per cent reduction in murders is more than a statistic, it means dozens of lives saved. Our strategy of acting as 'force multipliers' through intelligence-led policing yields real results. We are reclaiming our communities and will not relent against those disrupting peace in Kingston East," said Campbell. Crime Officer Deputy Superintendent Keaton Barrett saluted investigators for their work.

"By removing 38 firearms from the streets and capturing 11 of our most wanted, we are dismantling the division's criminal infrastructure. Our message to criminals is clear, there is no hiding place in Kingston East," said Barrett. The division's operations officer, Deputy Superintendent Mario Pratt, said the heightened presence of officers has also aided in the division's success.

"Our operational posture has been relentless. By consistently disrupting criminal hotspots, we've managed to strip criminals of their firepower with the removal of guns and ammunition from our streets. We are making it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate in the Kingston East space," he said.