The government has indicated that it will be appealing today’s Supreme Court ruling that the repeated use of States of Public Emergency, (SOEs) was unconstitutional.

The ruling was handed down in the claim filed by the opposition.

The People’s National Party had raised concern about the continued use of (SOEs) as a crime fighting tool, citing constitutional breaches.

Attorney General Dr Derrick Mckoy said he is undertaking a thorough review of the legal and constitutional implications of the court’s decision in preparation for the appeal.

In a statement, the governing Jamaica Labour Party noted that it will continue to support the security forces.

It highlighted that citizens are experiencing a historic reduction in crime thanks to effective crime fighting strategies, historic investment in policing infrastructure, increases in the number of police officers, implementation of enhanced intelligence operations and SOEs.

Jamaica recorded 132 fewer murders in the first quarter of 2025, representing the third straight quarterly decline since the second quarter of 2024.

Additionally, incidents of shootings, rapes, robberies, and break-ins have declined consistently over the past six quarters, beginning in the third quarter of 2023.

The government said the implementation of SOEs resulted in the reduction of murders and saved lives.

It said it will continue to view the level of murders in Jamaica, which at times would have been 3 times as high as the regional average, as a national emergency.

The government added that it remains committed to the fight against crime and maintaining public safety while respecting the rule of law.