Jamaicans split on confidence in JCF’s crime-fighting prowess

Almost 50 per cent of Jamaicans say they have little to no confidence in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) ability to effectively tackle crime, according to the latest RJRGLEANER-commissioned Don Anderson poll, conducted in June 2025. The data reveals that 49.6 per cent of the 1,033 respondents rate their confidence as either “not at all confident” or “slightly confident”.

Respondents were asked to rate their level of confidence in the police on a six-point scale, from “not at all confident” to “extremely confident”.

Of those surveyed, 26.2 per cent reported being “not at all confident” in the police, while 23.4 per cent said they were “slightly confident” – together forming a striking 49.6 per cent who expressed little to no faith in law enforcement.

By contrast, only 6.3 per cent said they were “greatly confident,” with a mere 3.9 per cent expressing “extremely confident” views.

Middle-ground responses included 25.2 per cent who were “somewhat confident” and 15 per cent “moderately confident”.

Men were somewhat more inclined than women to express complete distrust in the police, with 29.2 per cent of men selecting “not at all confident”, compared to 23.5 per cent of women.

Scepticism was most pronounced among the 18-24 age group, with 34.2 per cent registering no confidence in police performance.

Older Jamaicans, particularly those in the 55-64 and 65+ age brackets, exhibited slightly higher levels of trust, with a greater proportion selecting “greatly” or “extremely confident”.

Jamaicans were also quizzed on whether they felt safer in their homes now compared to five years ago.

“The majority of Jamaicans interviewed in the poll responded negatively when asked if they feel safer in their homes now compared to, say, five years ago,” said Anderson, chief executive officer of Market Research Services Limited.

WIDESPREAD DOUBT

Of the respondents, 59.8 per cent answered “No”, signalling widespread doubt in personal or community safety.

“Just over a third of the persons interviewed answered in the positive, indicating that they now feel safer in their homes than they did five years ago,” said Anderson.

Only 32.7 per cent of Jamaicans said they feel safer now than five years ago, while 7.5 per cent remained undecided.

The age group reporting the highest sense of improved safety was those aged 55-64 (37.0%) whereas the lowest level of perceived safety gains came from the 25-34 demographic (22.8%).

Slight gender differences also emerged, with 34.2 per cent of men saying they feel safer today, compared to 31.4 per cent of women.

“This is a significant finding and underlines the view that Jamaicans are concerned about the high levels of crime and violence despite the noticeable efforts and successes by the police force in reducing criminal activity across the country,” said Anderson.

Renowned crime analyst and investigator Robert Finzi-Smith has characterised the findings as deeply troubling.

“It is very unfortunate when the people who are to serve and protect cannot reassure you,” Finzi-Smith told The Gleaner.

“Essentially, police officers are supposed to give you a feeling of safety and comfort, and if you don’t feel safe in your house with all the police officers around the place, and the grand comments, they haven’t achieved a thing,” Finzi-Smith asserted.

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com

What is your level of confidence in the police force to address crimes effectively?

Not at all confident 26.2%

Slightly confident 23.4%

Somewhat Confident 25.2%

Moderately confident 15.0%

Greatly confident 6.3%

Extremely confident 3.9%

Total 100%