Knives claim bigger share of murders

With firearm killings falling sharply, knives are taking a bigger bite out of Jamaica’s murder toll — and the police are preparing to turn up the heat on the possession of offensive weapons.

With firearm-related killings falling sharply, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has given its clearest indication yet that “the next frontier for homicide reduction” involves interpersonal and domestic violence prevention.

The warning comes against the backdrop of a striking trend in the latest homicide data. Stabbing homicides have plunged by approximately 69 per cent since 2022, falling from 109 to 34 year-to-date in 2026. However, its share of all homicides has risen from about seven per cent to 12 per cent over the period.

The figures do not show an escalation in knife killings. Instead, they reflect the dramatic collapse in firearm homicides, which still dominate Jamaica’s murder toll but are falling at a much faster rate than stabbing deaths.

In other words, the knife isn’t killing more people — guns are killing far fewer.

And that changing landscape could force a major rethink of the country’s battle against murder.

For years, Jamaica’s most lethal crime battles have been fought largely against firearms, gangs and organised criminal networks.

Jamaica’s overall homicide figures have fallen dramatically, dropping from 1,515 killings in 2022 to 287 year-to-date in 2026. That represents a decline of about 81 per cent.

Stabbing homicides have also fallen, but by approximately 69 per cent.

The law prohibits a person from knowingly carrying certain offensive weapons in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. A person convicted can face a fine of up to $4,000 and, in default of payment, imprisonment for up to four months.

Lawful sport, trade, business or occupation may provide a defence in certain circumstances.

Knife killings, according to the police, often stem from domestic disputes neighbourhood conflicts, and alcohol-related arguments that escalate.