ST JAMES, Jamaica — Jamaica’s innovative Norwood Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) has achieved a remarkable security milestone, recording zero murders and no shooting incidents since January 2025. This unprecedented success represents the culmination of strategic crime-fighting measures implemented since the zone’s establishment in June 2021, building on a similarly murder-free record throughout 2024.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Keeble Simms, joint commander for the special operations zones, confirmed the breakthrough achievement during discussions with Observer Online this week. He characterized the zone’s performance as ‘exceptionally well’ and clear evidence that the initiative’s core objectives are being successfully realized.
The ZOSO program was originally designed with multiple strategic goals: reducing murders and major crimes, restoring public safety, dismantling criminal gangs, and rebuilding both business and community confidence. According to DSP Simms, these objectives are now yielding tangible results, including the return of residents who previously fled the violence-ridden area.
‘When you look, a lot of persons who fled the community way back when it was war-torn, for want of a better term, they are returning,’ Simms observed. ‘And you can see the development taking place right throughout Norwood with the Zone of Special Operation.’
The senior law enforcement official attributed this transformation to a multi-faceted approach combining intelligence-led policing, precisely targeted operations, and strategically positioned checkpoints. Security planners conducted thorough crime pattern analysis to identify critical vulnerability points where checkpoints could most effectively complement targeted operational approaches.
This security framework has produced ripple effects throughout the broader St James Division, where murder statistics have shown significant decline. ‘The Norwood Zone of Special Operation would have a significant contribution to that total performance within the division,’ DSP Simms explained.
Among the most notable achievements has been the systematic dismantling of criminal networks that once plagued the area. From approximately five named gangs operating in 2021, most groups have now become dormant with no detectable organized criminal structures remaining. Numerous key figures have been incarcerated through focused investigations, substantially reducing their stranglehold on the community and the climate of fear they generated.
Despite these accomplishments, DSP Simms emphasized continued vigilance against complacency. ‘We are mindful of the fact that they can reorganize, so we won’t descend inside the state of complacency,’ he cautioned. ‘We will continue to go surgically at those members that were affiliated.’
Looking toward 2026, security forces plan to intensify operational posture while strengthening community engagement efforts. The strategy includes deepening relationships with citizens and key stakeholders throughout the special operations zone. DSP Simms issued a direct appeal to residents and remaining criminal elements: ‘We want to appeal to the citizens of Norwood to continue to support the effort of the security forces…and we are also encouraging them to take the lawful path, and to be a part of the transformation.’
Corporal of Police Donovan Ross endorsed this community-focused approach, crediting DSP Simms’ leadership with enhancing officer morale and performance. ‘Since Mr Simms has been here, we have seen significant progress. The staff is extra motivated, so we have that kick to go above and beyond,’ Corporal Ross stated, pledging continued commitment to maintaining security and building public trust.