Church recognises St Andrew North Police for crime reduction
Published:Monday | February 2, 2026 | 12:06 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
The St Andrew North Police Division has been recognised by the God Family Ministries International Church for its sustained reduction in crime.
A special thanksgiving service, held last Sunday under the theme, ‘Engage, Educate, Empower and Enforce’, was well attended by police personnel of varying ranks in addition to the usual congregants who filled the halls at the 92 Red Hills Road place of worship.
The award plaque was presented to the management of the division, headed by Superintendent Randy Sweeney, in acknowledgement of what church leaders described as a marked improvement in public safety within the division.
The St Andrew North Police Division ended 2025 with a 50-per-cent reduction in murders.
And, as at January 24, the division remained murder free, placing it among six of 19 divisions islandwide without a homicide up to that date.
The achievement represented a significant turnaround for the division, which had recorded three murders at the similar point last year.
In addressing the congregation, Sweeney during the divisional overview, underscored the importance of collaboration between the church, the police and wider community, noting that crime reduction cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone.
“These kinds of engagement are very important,” Sweeney said while giving an overview on category-one crimes.
These include murders, shootings, rape, injured people, robberies and break-ins.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I urge you to partner with us so that we can see significant reduction in these heinous crimes. It’s very important,” Sweeney said.
He told the service that acquisitory crimes have been greatly impacting the division throughout the years.
“So much so that last year we were in the top-two (nationally) when it came on to break-ins with 120 reported cases. This is a 40-per-cent jump when compared to 2024.
“When we work together with the church and the communities, we create an environment where crime cannot thrive,” Sweeney told The Gleaner following the service.
The divisional commander had also applauded the efforts of the citizens who have employed for themselves
target0hardening strategies.
“They are less likely be victims of crime. While we are headed in the right direction, we believe that more can be done and so we are using this opportunity again to encourage persons to utilise your CCTV or implement them … be mindful, simple things like ensuring that your windows and doors are closed,” he said, adding that a recent break-in occurred just because someone did not close their windows.
Sweeney said the division was considered the capital for motor vehicle theft in Jamaica.
“But I am also happy to report that last year we had almost a 40-per-cent reduction in larceny of motor vehicle. We had 80, 80 too much, of course, but that is in comparison to 149 the previous year. We believe that persons are becoming more aware,” Sweeney told the congregation.
The St Andrew North division also, notably, recovered 60 illegal weapons, marking its highest haul in some 30 years.
The division also achieved a 25-per-cent reduction in shootings and a 35-per-cent reduction in rapes last year.
Sweeney pointed to the implementation of targetted policing strategies as key factors behind the division’s improved crime statistics.
According to the lawman, the impact of those strategies became evident last year and has continued into the new year.
Church leaders at the service commended the police for their dedication and encouraged continued engagement with faith-based organisations as a means of sustaining peace and stability in communities across St Andrew North.