Police commissioner hits back at criticism about police fatal shootings

 

   

Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake has hit back at a declaration by Jamaicans for Justice that there has been an intolerable number of police fatal shootings this year.

 

Commissioner Blake says JFJ's concern is misdirected and should instead be aimed at those who make the decision to challenge a far more superior force.

 

On Wednesday, JFJ's Executive Director Mickel Jackson noted that the 50 fatal shootings recorded since the start of 2025 is more than double the 19 recorded for the similar period last year.

 

Ms. Jackson said the number is unacceptable in a democracy and is particularly troubling given the country's size.

 

While admitting that the number of fatal shootings is high, Dr. Blake urged JFJ to be more responsible in its public pronouncements. 

 

"To suggest that fatal shooting numbers can be reduced by anything other than the unwillingness of persons being apprehended to engage in deadly confrontation with members of the security forces is irresponsible or at best advocating for us to relent in our pursuit. We again reiterate the point that those who seek to kill and maim will not be left free and unobstructed to hold communities at ransom and in constant fear. It means we make no apology to stand between these murdering thugs and the people of this country," he asserted. 

 

Dr. Blake said it is foolish to believe that criminals who choose to engage the police will not receive a similar response. 

 

"Our prisons and police lockups are fully populated with persons who have made the smarter choice of surrendering peacefully to the police. We have had well over a thousand firearm-related arrests each year. Persons have had their day in court and have in some instances been freed of the charges

against them. They have all lived to see another day simply because they choose not to direct deadly force against our members. We have had police officers and soldiers killed and seriously injured in some of these confrontations.," he noted. 

 

The police commissioner said INDECOM's constant call for more accountability from the JCF is also a slap in the face. 

 

"Be reminded that that is their single most important mandate. And let me be absolutely clear, lest I'm misunderstood or misquoted. I am a full supporter of what INDECOM stands for. An effective INDECOM assures me that those among us who believe that they are free to break the law will be held to account and be removed from within our ranks. The JCF's effectiveness depends on this. However, I am concerned that the JFJ supports the idea that INDECOM's investigation is being hampered because we do not have body-worn camera footage to present to them."  

 

Dr. Blake urged criminals to surrender peacefully, warning that should they choose otherwise, the police, with their superior training and fire power, will "win every time". 

 

He also appealed to law-abiding citizens to work alongside the police force as it seeks to bring down violent crime and create a safer society.