Data revealed from the Jamaica Constabulary Force Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) has indicated that 686 murders have been committed on the island since the start of 2022. This figure represents a 6.8 per cent increase when compared to the corresponding period of 2021.

In addition, the police divisions of St James, St Catherine, and Westmoreland have recorded the highest murders. The St James Police Division recorded the highest number of murders with 107 while Westmoreland and St Catherine North Police Divisions followed, with 69 and 72 murders respectively.

So far, gang conflict accounts for 79 per cent of the murders committed thus far while interpersonal conflicts accounts for 14 per cent, and 7 per cent occurred in furtherance of criminal acts.

Additionally, mob killings accounted for 1 per cent of the murders committed so far, and 3 per cent is still being determined.

Preliminary data also revealed that the parish of St Catherine has recorded a 28% increase in gun seizures when compared to the corresponding period in 2021.

In addition, as of June 15, the St Catherine North Division has recorded 70 murders and 51 shootings, representing increases of 52 per cent and 76 per cent respectively, when compared to the similar period in 2021.

Meanwhile, other major crimes such as robberies have also seen a steady increase. So far, 24 robberies have occurred up to June 20. However, shootings and rapes have seen a decline.