Crime and Pollution in Kingston

Crime Data in Kingston

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Kingston, Jamaica, experiences a high level of crime, significantly impacting the daily lives of its residents. Crime rates showcase pressing issues with both violent and property crimes.

The public’s concern regarding safety remains notably high, especially with frequent reports of criminal activities during both night and daytime.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes in Kingston contribute significantly to the anxiety among residents, with a particular emphasis on thefts and home invasions. This pervasive issue affects residential areas and commercial zones alike.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related crimes represent a persistent challenge in Kingston, influencing the social fabric and contributing to the overall sense of insecurity among locals. The impact of these crimes is evident in specific neighborhoods where drug activity is a recurring ordeal.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes are a prominent concern, with many residents expressing fear of mugging, robbery, and physical attacks. This fear is exacerbated by the perception of increasing crime rates.
• Public Safety - Kingstonians often feel unsafe, with a substantial number reporting inadequate safety when alone at night. Daytime safety is also a concern, with many residents remaining wary even in daylight.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception of increasing crime activity is acute in Kingston, particularly regarding violent crimes and corruption. This rising apprehension calls for urgent and effective interventions by local authorities.
• Specific Fears - Concerns are acute regarding theft, including car-related crimes and house break-ins. Additionally, worries about victimization based on ethnic, racial, or religious differences add to the complex safety challenges residents face.

Summary of Crime in Kingston

Kingston's crime environment in 2024 underscores the need for systemic reforms and enhanced community policing efforts to foster a safer urban environment. Continuous efforts focused on mitigating property and violent crimes, alongside tackling corruption, can pave the way for improved public safety.

Crime Rankings

Kingston ranks 1st on the Crime rankings in Jamaica. The crime ranking by city for Jamaica is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Kingston

Jamaica

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Kingston faces considerable pollution challenges in 2024, marked by significant air quality issues influenced by urban and industrial activities. The levels of particulate matter are particularly concerning.

The city's air quality is rated as poor, affecting both public health and quality of life, as residents express worries over the long-term ramifications of these environmental problems.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels in Kingston are notably high, posing serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations. This level of air pollution is likely to cause respiratory issues and other health problems.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - PM10 concentrations are also elevated, contributing to the pollution woes of the city. This exacerbates the air quality challenges, making outdoor activities less enjoyable or even hazardous.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Waste management remains a significant issue in Kingston, where garbage disposal and street cleanliness receive poor ratings from residents. This perception detracts from the city's appeal and livability.

Noise pollution is another prevalent problem, particularly in heavily populated districts where it disrupts daily life and well-being.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Kingstonians are notably dissatisfied with current garbage disposal services, citing frequent issues with waste accumulation and management in both residential and commercial areas.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise and light pollution continue to be troubling, impacting residents' quality of life, particularly in bustling urban centers where the constant din of city life prevails.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Whilst Kingston's green spaces are less prominent, they remain valued for their role in providing relief from the urban environment, though their quality is often questioned.

Drinking water quality is of moderate concern, with mixed feelings amongst residents regarding its accessibility and safety.

• Green and Parks Quality - Residents hold mixed views about the quality of green spaces available in Kingston, often feeling that these areas could benefit from better maintenance and development.
• Drinking Water Quality - Though the drinking water in Kingston is generally considered accessible, quality remains a concern, with some residents expressing unease about its consistency and safety.

Pollution Rankings

Kingston ranks 1st on the Pollution rankings in Jamaica. The pollution ranking for Jamaica is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Kingston

Jamaica