Above: Kingston (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaica is seeing a “downward trend” in murders and other crimes, according to the country’s Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting.

The Minister, who was speaking at the Jamaica Police Academy last week, said murders were down by 12 percent in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

All serious and violent crimes fell by 13 percent in the first quarter, while accusatory crimes dropped by 15 percent, he said.

“We are encouraged,” Bunting said. “We are making a little headway on the crime control side, in terms of police operations, and we are also emphasizing the engagement of the community.”

One reason for the drop in crime, he said, was increased engagement between communities and police to “prevent violence and expose criminals.”

“If we can see that become a national movement, and take root, I am confident that we are going to see the continued improvement in the crime statistics,” Bunting said.