A Quantitative Evaluation of Serious and Violent Crimes in Jamaica for 2022 and 2023
Abstract
Introduction: During the 19th century, there was evidence that major crimes were committed in Jamaica, particularly intentional homicides, which explains the need for and the establishment of the JCF. Since that time, intentional homicides and other major crimes such as assault, rapes, shootings, and robberies have become an epidemic without its rightful public health classification in Jamaica.
Objective: This study aims to examine arrests for various Crime Categories; specifically Category One Crimes for the period 2023/2022. It is hoped that the information gleaned will further inform policy-making and policy implementation relating to crime-fighting strategies/initiatives, as well as add to the existing body of literature on the topic.
Methods and materials: This study employs a descriptive research design using secondary data. The Statistics and Information Management Unit (SIMU) of the JCF provided the data for this research.
Findings: The findings also revealed that 43.0% of the six serious and violent crimes committed in 2023 were cleared up compared to 39.5% in 2022. In 2023, the cleared-up rate for rape was 79.8% and aggravated assault was 73.6%, which were the only two crimes with at least a 50 per cent cleared-up rate. For the other serious and violent crimes – murder, shooting, robbery and break-in the cleared-up rates were 47.6%, 35.9%, 24.9% and 31.9% respectively.
Conclusion: The JCF is charged with the responsibility to solve the crime problem by implementing measures that may lead to faster apprehension of offenders to deter future crimes.
