Despite a decline in some categories of major crime in St. Elizabeth, the parish has recorded a sharp increase in murders so far this year.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Owen Brown, Operations Officer for the parish, highlighted the issue at the most recent monthly meeting of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, saying 17 murders have been recorded since the start of the year, compared with seven during the corresponding period last year.
DSP Brown said most of the killings stemmed from interpersonal conflicts and domestic disputes.
He is urging residents to seek help before disagreements escalate into violence.
The senior officer also called for councillors to play a more active role in educating their constituents about the importance of resolving domestic and interpersonal conflicts before they turn deadly.
He’s encouraging persons in dispute to seek assistance from Justices of the Peace, members of the clergy, and other trusted community figures when facing disputes.
DSP Brown also disclosed that some of the murders are linked to lottery scamming.
He said the police are continuing their investigations and remain committed to removing those involved in lottery scamming and other violent criminal activities from the parish.