Inter-American Development Bank (2016). Jamaica: Latin American Public Opinion Project - Victimization and Crime survey 2014. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/rqgf6w9h

1. English

What is this dataset?

The Jamaica Crime and Victimization Survey – LAPOP 2014 provides individual-level data collected from Jamaican residents aged 16 and older.
It was implemented as part of the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) and includes a special victimization and crime module financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

What does the dataset measure?

The dataset captures: - Exposure to crime and violence
- Perceptions of personal and community safety
- Trust in law enforcement and justice institutions
- Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics

These indicators help researchers assess the Jamaican crime rate in the broader context of Latin America and the Caribbean.

When and how was the survey conducted?

The LAPOP Survey was conducted in 2014 using nationally representative face-to-face interviews.
Respondents were randomly selected to ensure balanced representation across regions, genders, and age groups.

Who collected and funded the data?

The survey was conducted by the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Funding for the crime and victimization module came directly from the IDB’s citizen security initiative.

What is the structure of the data?

The dataset contains individual-level survey responses and includes: - Core LAPOP governance and trust modules
- The IDB-financed victimization and crime module
- Technical documentation, codebooks, and survey questionnaires (English and Spanish)

What are the main topics covered?

• Crime victimization and reporting
• Perceived security and fear of crime
• Institutional trust (police, courts, government)
• Socioeconomic background and demographics

What are the dataset’s limitations?

• Responses are self-reported and may include perception bias.
• The survey is cross-sectional, reflecting conditions in 2014 only.
• Comparability with other countries requires harmonization using the LAPOP regional dataset.

How can I access the data and supporting materials?

You can download: - The microdata file (individual-level responses)
- The technical report and methodology notes
- The survey instruments and questionnaires

What kind of research can this dataset support?

The dataset is useful for studies on: - Crime and victimization patterns in Jamaica
- Comparative analyses across Latin American countries
- Public safety, governance, and institutional trust
- Policy design related to citizen security and crime prevention

What are the main causes of crime in Jamaica?

Survey responses highlight poverty, unemployment, corruption, and gang activity as perceived drivers. Variables such as gang presence in neighborhood (aoj17, ivol24–26) and drug trafficking problems (diso10) show strong associations with crime victimization.

What is the status of the crime rate in Kingston vs Montego Bay?

Parish-level identifiers (prov, municipio) allow disaggregation. Kingston respondents reported higher victimization rates (robbery, assault, burglary) compared to rural parishes like Portland. Montego Bay (St. James parish) also showed elevated crime perceptions, consistent with gang and lottery scamming activity.

How do violent crime vs petty theft rates compare in Jamaican resorts?

The IDB dataset distinguishes robbery with force (ivol3), assault (ivol5), and theft without force (ivol4). Petty theft incidents were more common than violent assaults, but fear of violent crime remained high, especially in urban centers.

What are safety tips for solo female travelers in Jamaica?

While the IDB dataset does not directly address tourism, perception variables indicate that walking alone after dark (ivol11) was widely considered unsafe. This suggests heightened risk for solo travelers, particularly women, in urban areas.

Is it safe for expats to live in gated communities in Jamaica?

The survey includes home ownership (pr1) and property titled in your name (pr2), but not gated community data. However, respondents in higher-income households reported lower victimization rates, implying gated communities may reduce exposure.

What socio-economic factors contribute to high crime rates in Kingston, Jamaica?

Cross-tabulation shows that lower household income (q10new), unemployment (ocup4a), and lower education levels (ed) correlate with higher victimization. Kingston respondents also reported greater gang presence and drug trafficking problems.

What is the role of illegal firearm trafficking in Jamaican violent crime?

Variables on weapon use in robberies and assaults (ivol3g, ivol5f) show that handguns were the most common weapon. This underscores the role of firearm trafficking in sustaining violent crime.

What are the crime and safety statistics specifically for St. James Parish, Jamaica?

Parish identifiers (prov) allow analysis. St. James respondents reported higher rates of robbery and gang presence compared to national averages, consistent with its reputation as a hotspot for lottery scamming and organized crime.