In 2008, there were 1,611 murders in Jamaica, which, while less than the peak of 1,674 in 2005, was an increase of 2.3% on 2007. 628 people were murdered between January and May 2009 compared to 688 in the same period in 2008 (Jamaica Constabulary Force).
Between 2003 and 2008, a total of 398 children have been killed by violent means either due to gang warfare or attacks, abductions, rape and murder. Another 441 have been injured by guns (Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, December 2008).
94 children were murdered in 2008 compared with 70 murdered in 2007 (Jamaican Constabulary Force).
The majority of killings, whether perpetrated by gang members of police officers, affect residents of socially-excluded inner-city areas. Residents of those communities also experience the highest rates of unemployment and the lowest standards in terms of access to water, electricity and security of housing tenure.
Only 4 convictions were reported between 1999 and 2009 out of a total of more than 1,700 reported fatal shootings. No convictions have been reported since 2006 (Bureau of Special Investigations, Jamaica Constabulary Force).
Less than one third of crimes are reported to the police (National Crime Victimization Survey released in January 2009).
For a copy of the report look here Public security reforms and human rights in Jamaica