Some areas ofJamaica, particularly population centers such asKingston,Montego Bay andSpanish Town, experience high levels of crime and violence.[1] Jamaica has had one of the highest intentional homicide rates in the world for many years, according toUnited Nations estimates.[2] Former Prime MinisterP. J. Patterson described the situation as "a national challenge of unprecedented proportions".[3]
When Jamaica gained independence in 1962, the murder rate was 3.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest in the world.[4] In 2022, Jamaica had 1,508 murders, for a murder rate of 53.34 per 100,000 people,[5] thehighest murder rate in the world.[2][6]
Jamaica recorded 1,680 murders in 2009.[7] In 2010, there were 1,428, in 2011, 1,125. 2012 saw 1,097, 2013, 1,200. 2014 totaled 1,192, 2015, 1,450, 2016, 1,350, 2017, 1,616 and 2018, 1,287.[8][9] 1,508 murders were reported in 2022.[10]
| Year | Total rate per 100,000 people[11] | Total intentional homicides[12] |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 61.82 | 1,683 |
| 2010 | 52.93 | 1,447 |
| 2011 | 41.26 | 1,133 |
| 2012 | 39.93 | 1,102 |
| 2013 | 43.34 | 1,202 |
| 2014 | 36.09 | 1,005 |
| 2015 | 43.26 | 1,209 |
| 2016 | 48.31 | 1,354 |
| 2017 | 58.65 | 1,647 |
| 2018 | 45.84 | 1,289 |
| 2019 | 47.62 | 1,340 |
| 2020 | 47.26 | 1,333 |
| 2021 | 52.13 | 1,474 |
| 2022 | 53.34 | 1,508 |
In March 2025, Jamaican authorities seized 1,183 pounds (538.8 kg) of cocaine disguised asCubanhoney at theKingston seaport. The drug, valued at USD 3.1 billion, was found in a shipping container during a joint operation by the Jamaica Customs Agency and the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID). Senior Superintendent Samuel Blake highlighted the seizure as part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking. The bust coincided with a visit byU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who discussed narcotics-related corruption with Jamaican officials.[13]
On November 15, 2022, the JamaicanPrime MinisterAndrew Holness declared a state of emergency for certain regions of Jamaica because of rising crime rates.[14] Some areas affected by the measures include the capitalKingston, and the popular tourist destination ofMontego Bay.[15][16] This followed atravel warning from theU.S. State Department suggesting travelers to not travel to certain areas of the country due to crime rates.[17]
