According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Junior Murvin’s reggae classic “Police and Thieves” is certified Silver as of Friday, January 31, for surpassing 200,000 units in sales and streams in the United Kingdom.
Originally recorded in 1976 at Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Ark Studio in Kingston, Jamaica, the song became a major hit in both Jamaica and the UK. Written by Murvin and Perry, “Police and Thieves” gained prominence for its socially conscious lyrics addressing gang violence and police brutality. The track featured contributions from notable musicians, including bassist Boris Gardiner, guitarist Ernest Ranglin, and drummer Sly Dunbar.
Following its UK release on Island Records in July 1976, the song gained widespread recognition, particularly after its association with the Notting Hill Carnival riots that year. It was later included as the title track on Murvin’s 1977 album and peaked at No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart in 1980.
The song was later covered by The Clash and featured on their 1977 self-titled debut album. Their punk-reggae rendition, which extended the track to six minutes, was met with mixed reactions from Murvin and Perry but was embraced within the punk movement. Bob Marley reportedly appreciated the cover, leading him to write “Punky Reggae Party.”
“Police and Thieves” has maintained cultural relevance over the decades, appearing in films such as Rockers (1978), Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). The song has also been re-recorded multiple times, including versions produced by Prince Jammy and Ralston Brown.
Murvin, born Junior Smith, died in Jamaica on December 2, 2013, at an estimated age of 64 to 67. While the official cause of death was not released, he was hospitalized for diabetes and blood pressure issues. Despite recording several albums and other reggae hits like Cool Out Son(1979) and Muggers in the Street (1984), Police and Thieves remained his most famous work. His final album, Inna De Yard, featured covers of Bill Withers and Curtis Mayfield songs.
