National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang says  progress has been made in addressing crime  even as he acknowledged that Jamaica’s murder rate remains unacceptably high.

He noted the 19 percent reduction in murders last year, saying the murder rate has placed Jamaica 7th among Caribbean countries.

The National Security Minister was providing an update to Parliament on the government’s crime fighting strategy which he said has shown some results.

He stated that the country is now seeing the impact of a deliberate and consistent focus on improving the security forces and providing them with the required tools and manpower.

Dr Chang said the police have adopted a highly systematic approach to disrupting criminal gangs.

Some 300 individuals  associated with violence have been identified.

He said there are some 150 unresolved conflicts across communities that are being tracked by the police