Increase in extra-judicial killings is concerning

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The Gleaner on April 29 published a letter to the editor headlined ‘Are extra-judicial killings justice or vengeance?’ The letter, inter alia, stated “In recent months, a troubling pattern has re-emerged – the normalization of police killings. The reports of police fatally shooting ‘gunmen’ continue to surface, often with celebratory overtones. But, since when did vengeance become an acceptable substitute for justice?These apparent extra-judicial killings are illegal, and contravene Jamaica’s Constitution, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, and international human rights treaties to which we are a signatory. Support for the State’s adoption of the same disregard for life as the criminals it seeks to combat blurry the line between enforcement and abuse. This looks like a slippery slope towards a police state”.

Let me state here that I am a supporter of the Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, and the entire police force, including the Police High Command whom I regularly commend, applaud and encourage through some radio talk shows, including on Power 106 FM, which I regularly speak on. Not many callers and contributors to the radio talk shows do in fact expound their commendations and support for the hard-working, dedicated and professional members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). However, I will never relent in vociferously, vocally and stridently commending the JCF and its officers through some radio talk shows, when allowed and given the opportunity to do so.

However, as The Gleaner letter writer wrote, the increasing numbers of police fatal killings since the start of this year, numbering now close to 110, are troubling and cause for national concern. These escalating numbers of police fatal killings have never occurred at such a fast rate ever based on my re-collection of previous years and it begs the question: has the Government authorised the JCF to take down those alleged gang members and alleged criminals and not to bring them in alive? This question is an important one and warrants a public statement by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, the head of the Cabinet. This high number of police fatal killings is definitely cause for concern. Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) staged a public demonstration in Kingston, calling the public’s attention to the increasing levels of police fatal killings and the imperative, paramount and immense need and requirement for police officers who are dispatched on police operations to be fitted with police body-worn cameras immediately, and I fully concur with JFJ.

ROBERT DALLEY