Opposition raises more concern about surge in police fatal shootings

 

 

Opposition Spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson has welcomed the reduction in murders, but is warning that there is growing concern about the surge in fatal police shootings. 

 

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Mr. Jackson cautioned that the rise in fatal shootings is causing jitters in depressed communities in which residents are now afraid of the police.

 

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has reported that 231 people have been killed by the security forces since the start of the year. 

 

"That's more than 50 per cent of the murders reported by criminals in the country. That, Madam Speaker, must be a concern of ours. All of us. You know, Madam Speaker, [National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang] made a comment in his statement which I endorse. On page four of the statement, he says 'Greater attention must now be placed on public order. We must ensure that the way in which the police engage citizens is professional, proportionate and respectful.' Madam Speaker, that is most welcome. However, when the occasions of interaction between citizens and the public result in 231 murders over the same period, it defies this statement," he contended.

 

"We want a Jamaica where everyone, regardless of where you live, can see the police as your partner in security. We do not want a situation, as is evidenced by the records, that there are growing number of Jamaicans who are afraid of the police," Mr. Jackson insisted.

 

He called for the police to make greater use of body-worn cameras to settle disputes over police shootings.

 

"One way of achieving this balanced approach to crime reduction and having all of Jamaica embrace our security forces is the policy enactment of body-worn cameras by our security forces, particularly when they are going on planned occasion. Every incident of police fatality you can write in what the script is going to be and just put in the name and the address. [Those are] the only things that change. The incident in Montego Bay where there was no camera from the police but from in the environment makes this statement clearer than it could be," he suggested.

 

In that Montego Bay incident, 45-year-old Latoya Bulgin was fatally shot by a police officer in Granville, St. James on May 17, 2026.

 

Constable Andrew Wilson has been charged in connection with the shooting.