Horace Chang | Strategic use of SOEs and their impact in Jamaica

Jamaica has long been plagued by high levels of crime and violence, with gang-related activities posing the most significant threat to our national security. As Government, our primary mandate is to protect our citizens and ensure their safety. One of the tools available to us in this effort is the use of states of emergency (SOEs), which when strategically applied, have proven to be very effective in reducing violent crimes and saving lives.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF SOEs

The use of SOEs in Jamaica has evolved over the decades, shaped by lessons learned from past implementations. In 1976, an SOE was declared, resulting in the mass detention of individuals, many of whom were innocently detained for political gains. The next imposition of an SOE came in May 2010, with the full impact of shock and awe, in response to the security crisis in West Kingston. Approximately 70 lives were lost during the operations.

In the aftermath, the country saw a significant and sustained decline in murders over the ensuing four years. Indeed, the impact was clear: murders dropped by 22 per cent in 2011, translating to over 300 lives saved. This downward trend continued, reaching its lowest point in 2014 when the annual murder count fell to 1,006 –the lowest in over a decade at the time. Since then, we have not implemented an SOE of that scale, but there is no denying that SOEs play a crucial role in saving lives.

After 2014, the criminal networks regrouped, and the murder rate began to rise once more, driven by cycles of reprisals and counter-reprisals. This escalation peaked in 2017, with 1,647 murders. Faced with this reality, decisive action was imperative. In 2018, with the full support of the Opposition, another SOE was implemented. The impact was immediate – a 22 per cent reduction in murders, saving 360 lives compared to the previous year. These numbers again reinforce an undeniable truth: SOEs save lives.

IMPORTANCE OF UNITY IN FIGHTING CRIME

The effectiveness of an SOE hinges not only on the imposition in and of itself, but also on the broader message of national unity and consensus that it transmits. The success of the 2018 SOE was boosted by the bipartisan approach adopted at that time. Unfortunately, the Opposition withdrew their support thereafter, thereby weakening the full potential of subsequent SOEs. For SOEs to have their maximum intended impact, they require both the Government and the Opposition to present a unified stance against crime and violence. A clear and resolute message from both sides of the political spectrum sends a powerful signal to those who may seek to destabilise our society and create mayhem.

When our Administration took office in 2016, Jamaica was averaging over 1,200 murders per year. We recognised that the capacity of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) at that time was insufficient to tackle the chronic crime problem on its own. Thus, the strategic use of SOEs was always intended as a short-term measure to rapidly reduce the murders while we simultaneously carry out the process of rebuilding and transforming the security forces.

PLAN SECURE JAMAICA

In our pursuit of a lasting solution to the crime and violence, the Government launched “Plan Secure Jamaica” in 2017 – a comprehensive, long-term strategy designed to put the country on a sustainable path to peace and security. This plan focused on strengthening law enforcement while tackling the root causes of crime through social intervention and community transformation. Though costly, we remained committed to its implementation.

One of the most visible outcomes of this initiative has been the transformation of the JCF. Increased recruitment, enhanced training, and the acquisition of modern policing technology and equipment have all contributed to a more effective and capable police force. In 2023, the JCF achieved a milestone in its human resource, surpassing the 13,000-mark for the first time despite recruitment challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This boost in personnel enabled the expansion of critical units such as Quick Response and Specialised Operations Teams, which contributed greatly to the 8 per cent reduction in murders in that year.

CURRENT CRIME LANDSCAPE AND THE ROLE OF SOEs

Jamaica is now at a tipping point, where the investments in our security apparatus are yielding tangible results. With the full establishment of 14,000 police officers, improved infrastructure, enhanced training in intelligence gathering, investigative techniques, and tactical operations, we are now ahead of the criminal networks. This has allowed us to track and monitor more than 150 ongoing gang conflicts across the island, while at the same time building robust cases against high-risk violent offenders.

While there have been isolated flare-ups in murders, the security forces have been able to respond swiftly using short-term SOEs and curfews to restore law and order. This targeted approach, combined with a wide range of other crime-fighting strategies, has proven very effective in reducing murders.

ENCOURAGING SIGNS AND A PATH FORWARD

The results of our efforts are undeniable. In 2024, Jamaica recorded a 19 per cent reduction in murders and the safest and most peaceful Christmas season in over 20 years. With 76 murders in December 2024 and 71 in January 2025, these two months represent the lowest murder counts in over a decade, signalling a clear downward trend that is emerging.

While we are not declaring victory – acknowledging that the murder rate still remains unacceptably high – we must recognise the progress made. We hope this development instils confidence in the future and galvanises the kind of support from the citizenry to help keep the murder numbers going down on a sustainable basis.

The Government and my ministry remain unwavering in our commitment to the safety and security of all Jamaicans. With continued public support, strategic crime-fighting initiatives, and sustained investment in our security infrastructure, we are confident that long-term peace and stability are within reach. The message is clear: we are ahead of the criminals, and we will not relent in our mission to safeguard and protect the lives of the Jamaican people.

Dr Horace Chang is Jamaica’s deputy prime minister and minister of national security. He is also a member of parliament for North West St James and a medical doctor by profession. Send feedback to securityminister@mns.gov.jm and columns@gleanerjm.com.