A Quantitative Probe into Violent Crimes Committed in Jamaica from 2010 to 2022

Abstract

Introduction: For centuries, successive rulers and/or governments have sought to address the issue of violence in Jamaica, particularly major crimes (for example, murders, rapes, shootings, and robberies) to no avail. The current degree of violence in Jamaica.

Objective: This research evaluates violent crimes from a more comprehensive perspective to provide Jamaicans with insights into the crime pandemic.

Materials and methods: The current study employs time series data from 2010 to 2022. The research team obtained data on selected violent/major crimes (murders/intentional homicides, robberies, and shootings). The data were obtained from the statistical department of the JCF. Descriptive statistics and per cents were computed on data, and the results were displayed in tables. The research team also performed bivariate analyses in the form of chi-square and analysis of variance, which were also presented in tabular forms.

Findings: The majority of the selected violent crimes committed in Jamaica were in St. Andrew (23.3%, n=13,169), St. Catherine (18.8%, n=10,615), Kingston (12.2%, n=6,901), and St. James (10.8%, n=6,102). Of the 56,456 selected violent crimes committed in Jamaica, the majority of them have been robberies (41.1%, n=23218) followed by murders (29.9%, n=16,906) and shootings (28.9%, n=16,332). Guns are the most frequently used weapon of choice (81.1%, n=44,971) followed by knives (9.7%, n=5,366). Eight-two and six-tenths per cent of the 54,639 selected violent crimes (i.e., 96.8% of the 56,456) were committed by people on foot followed by cars (9.8%, n=5,359). the murder rate was at its zenith in 2017 (60.37 per 100,000 population) as well as the shooting rate (54.39 per 100,000 population) and 2011 for robberies (114.53 per 100,000 population).

Conclusion: The study is postulating a new thesis, the disintegration of the primary agents of socialization is responsible for the crime monster, and policymakers and researchers should commence the discourse from the perspective of social control theory to address the crime epidemic.