JA murder rate clear up improves

The Organised Crime Branch of the Constabulary Force is reporting significant improvement in its murder clear up rate in Kingston and St. Andrew in the first four months of the year since the implementation of the Major Investigation Task Force.

Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of the Branch, Les Green, said the murder clear up rate has improved from 34 percent during the first four months last year to 49 percent in the corresponding period this year.

ACP Green attributed the improvement to the identification of criminals and community interaction.

He said the work of the team is sometimes affected by the death of some suspects, but the majority of crimes are cleared up as a result of charges being laid and suspects being placed before the courts.

He said the investigative capacity of the Major Investigation Task Force has also been strengthened by the addition of 16 Forensic Crime Scene Investigators, who have met the required international standards.

The team has also acquired new forensic equipment, such as drying cabinets.

The Kingston and St. Andrew Major Investigation Task Force was formed to investigate all murders committed, with the use of firearms in the six divisions of Kingston and St. Andrew.