MONTEGO BAY, St James — In a formal recognition of exceptional law enforcement achievements, local government officials in Jamaica’s St James parish are moving to establish an annual ‘Police Day’ celebration. Deputy Mayor Dwight Crawford has presented an official resolution to the St James Municipal Corporation seeking to designate June 8 as a permanent day of honor for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
The proposal comes amid widespread acclaim for the police force’s remarkable success in combating violent crime throughout the region. Statistical evidence reveals an extraordinary turnaround: murder rates plummeted from 125 fatalities in 2024 to just 58 in 2025—representing a dramatic 67-case reduction within a single year.
Crawford emotionally recalled the parish’s troubled past during Thursday’s monthly council meeting, stating, ‘I remember when citizens feared even their own shadows and many had completely lost faith in our police institution. Some felt compelled to seek justice through their own means when confronting criminal elements.’
The resolution gained momentum following an impressive operational report delivered by police representatives that left municipal counselors visibly impressed. ‘What we’re witnessing in St James results directly from the dedicated efforts of our local police personnel,’ Crawford emphasized. ‘Jamaican professionals are effectively addressing our national security challenges through commendable, tangible results.’
The proposed June 8 date carries particular symbolic significance, marking the anniversary of Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake’s launch of the JCF Transformation Initiative. This comprehensive reform program publicly outlined the force’s structural and operational modernization plans, whose positive effects are now becoming statistically evident.
Crawford further acknowledged broader governmental contributions to national security improvements, specifically praising Finance Minister Fayval Williams and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang for their supportive roles in the crime reduction achievements.