Blake urges cops to plug every gap

Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has welcomed a sustained decline in violent crime across Jamaica but is warning members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) against complacency, stressing that every gap in policing must be identified and closed.

Writing in his latest Commissioner's Corner, published in the weekly Force Orders, Blake said while the numbers are encouraging, each violent incident must trigger careful analysis and operational self-assessment within the force.

"Let the occurrence of every single murder be a point of reflection on our strategies, our posture and our operational discipline and focus," the top cop said.

"We must do this to ensure that we identify and plug whatever gap exists that creates the opportunity of which the perpetrators take advantage," he added.

As of December 13, Jamaica has recorded 638 murders, which is 480 fewer than the corresponding period last year. Shootings are down 32 per cent compared to last year, with 663 incidents recorded.

"We are almost halfway into December and we continue to suppress the murders," Blake said.

Despite the significant gains, Blake stressed that progress must be protected through vigilance, agility and discipline. He urged officers at all levels to remain reflective in their operations, ensuring that strategies are constantly reviewed and strengthened.

"Colleagues, we have to be agile in our strategies and responses, and also relentless in our focus. We have to be resilient," Blake said.