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Halshane Burke reports
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says police officers will be deployed at next week's scheduled protest organised by Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ).
The event dubbed End Police Violence is set for April 29 at the Half Way Tree Transport Centre and aims to spotlight the escalating crisis of police fatal shootings in Jamaica and demand accountability, justice and systemic reform.
The Police High Command says in keeping with standard operating procedures, the deployment of officers is a precautionary measure intended to ensure the safety of all participants and to preserve public order, especially in light of credible indications of possible counter protests in the vicinity.
The High Command says it firmly upholds the view that in a modern functioning democracy, all citizens have a right to express their views through lawful and peaceful demonstrations, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement to provide the environment in which these rights can be freely exercised.
It stresses that the JCF has no affiliation with any of the groups planning to protest.
The JFJ has received support but also criticism for the planned protest.
In his latest Force Orders, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake said the JCF was not lacking in oversight and accountability and simultaneously issued a call for any additional accountability instrument or a system that may complement those already in place.
He was critical of the planned protest by JFJ.
More than 100 people have been fatally shot during reported confrontations with members of the security forces since January.
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