Violence in Eastern Jamaica: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract

Violence remains a critical public health and social issue in Jamaica, particularly in the eastern region, where socioeconomic factors uniquely shape crime patterns. This study investigates the patterns, prevalence, and drivers of homicide in Eastern Jamaica between 2010 and 2023, using secondary data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and reputable statistical sources. The research is guided by Social Disorganisation Theory and Strain Theory, which offer theoretical frameworks for understanding how structural inequality and community breakdown contribute to sustained violence. The study adopts a quantitative descriptive design, focusing on five police divisions: Kingston Eastern, St. Andrew East, St. Thomas, St. Mary, and Portland. Findings reveal that St. Andrew East and Kingston Eastern accounted for the vast majority of homicides, with significant variation in homicide rates across divisions. While urban divisions exhibited persistently high levels of violence, rural areas such as Portland and St. Mary maintained relatively low and stable rates. The analysis supports the hypotheses that higher levels of poverty and unemployment are positively associated with increased homicide rates and that socially disorganised communities are more prone to violence. The study underscores the enduring impact of spatial inequality, economic strain, and weak social controls on violence in Jamaica’s eastern region. These findings have significant implications for public policy and crime prevention, particularly the need for targeted interventions in structurally marginalised urban zones. The study concludes by recommending data-driven, community-based strategies aimed at reducing violence and strengthening institutional presence in vulnerable areas.