'Momentum must become maturity' - Blake tells police following major drop in murders

In warning against complacency after a major reduction in murders, Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake is urging members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to convert momentum into maturity grounded in discipline, unity and integrity.

“We must move beyond momentum and into maturity,” Blake said at the Commissioner’s Annual Devotion held at his Old Hope Road office in St Andrew on Monday. "Let us draw inspiration from the progress already made, but let us not become complacent. There is still much work to be done."

Official police data show that murders declined by 41 per cent in 2025, with 673 homicides recorded up to December 31, the lowest annual murder total in 31 years and the first time the figure has fallen below 700 in more than three decades. It's the third consecutive year of decline in murders.

Against the backdrop of declining murders, the commissioner outlined three charges to the force, beginning with the need to strengthen individual officers at every level.

Policing, he said, is physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually demanding, requiring intentional investment in wellness, discipline, and character.

Quoting Isaiah 40:31, Blake said resilience was built through preparation, mutual support, and faith. He urged officers to sharpen their skills, mentor younger colleagues, and embrace continuous learning, noting that “a stronger force begins with stronger individuals.”

His second charge focused on strengthening bonds within the police force, with communities, and other stakeholders.

"Unity doesn't just happen, it is cultivated. We must strengthen trust among ranks, across divisions, and between leadership and frontline members," the commissioner said, adding that trust between the police and the public was critical to effective policing.

“When our bonds are strong, we operate better, we communicate better, and we serve better,” Blake said, describing public trust as a “force multiplier” in maintaining peace and safety.

The commissioner’s third and final charge centred on strengthening Jamaica itself. He said the force’s role as integral to national stability and development.

"Every professional interaction, every lawful arrest, every act of restraint, every moment of compassion contributes to the wider national social fabric," Blake said. "Strengthening Jamaica means policing with integrity, fairness, and courage. It means standing firm against criminality while remaining anchored in justice and respect for human rights and dignity."

The fall in murders in 2025 coincided with a sharp rise in fatal police shootings, with 310 people killed by the security forces in 2025 - almost all by the police - representing a 64 per cent increase over the previous year, according to figures from the Independent Commission of Investigations.

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