File photo
By Racquel Porter
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is raising alarm over a 300 per cent increase in police fatal shootings in the first five days of 2026, compared to the same period last year.
INDECOM said 12 people died in six alleged confrontations involving members of the security forces across multiple parishes, including multiple fatal shootings in Manchester, St. James and Westmoreland.
Two of these incidents were reported as occurring in planned police operations.
On Monday, a triple shooting in St. Toolies, Manchester, left three men dead, while a single fatal shooting in Clarendon Park claimed another life.
The Clarendon victim has not yet been identified.
Earlier, on New Year's Day, four shootings across St. James, Westmoreland and Kingston resulted in the killing of eight people, including three minors.
Among the victims were five-year-old Romaine Bowman, 16-year-old Kevaun Martinez, 15-year-old Romaine Campbell and several men in their twenties.
Deputy Commissioner of INDECOM, Yanique Taylor-Wellington, says the surge is alarming and has vowed that the Commission will investigate all incidents thoroughly and impartially.
Eight firearms were recovered, but INDECOM notes that no body-worn cameras were activated in any of the shootings.
In one case, a police officer admitted that his camera was not used because he did not have a clip to wear it.
As investigations continue, INDECOM says it will take action where breaches of the law are found.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
