‘I don’t train my police to lose’, says commish in response to JFJ

Police Commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake, has issued a sharp response to criticisms from human rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) regarding fatal police shootings, insisting that law enforcement personnel will not relent in their fight against violent criminals.

Speaking at a recent event, Blake acknowledged concerns about the number of fatal shootings, but argued that the blame should be placed on individuals who decide to engage police in violent confrontations.

"I strongly support the view that the number of fatal shootings is too high. However, the call is wrongly directed, and should be aiming at those who make the decision to challenge a far more superior force," he said.

The commissioner cited that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) remains committed to tackling crime and protecting communities, even as it faces scrutiny over its methods.

"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," he stated.

Blake sought to highlight that many individuals who are detained by police had made the “smarter choice” by complying with officers, rather than engaging in gun battles.

"Our prisons and police lockups are fully populated with persons who have made the smarter choice of surrendering peacefully to the police," he said, pointing to the high number of firearm-related arrests that are made annually.

He added that those who surrender "have all lived to see another day, simply because they chose not to direct deadly force against our members."

The commissioner also emphasised the operational consequences of fatal shootings, revealing that officers involved in such incidents are removed from frontline duty while administrative reviews are conducted.

"It is mandated by policy that every incident of fatal shooting must be followed by a removal from frontline duty and an administrative review. This takes police who would normally be out to protect you, the citizens, off the street," he explained.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by JFJ, he questioned whether the group is prioritising public safety over organisational relevance.

"And so yes, we agree – we need to have fewer fatal shootings. And so I call upon JFJ to demonstrate to the public that your care is more for the wellbeing of our citizens, and less for the relevance of your organisation."

Blake also pushed back against calls for increased oversight of the police, arguing that such demands overlooked the existing role of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

"This constant call for there to be more accountability over the JCF is in itself a slap in the face of INDECOM," he stated while reaffirming his support for the watchdog agency.

"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."

In a clear message to criminal elements, the commissioner issued a direct warning against engaging police officers with deadly force.

"When the police come for you, do not raise your weapons against us. Lay down your weapons and have your day in court!" he urged.

He made it clear that officers would not back down from confrontations.

"Should you choose the foolish option of challenging us with lethal force, know this: I do not train my police to lose. We have the superior training and firepower to ensure that we win every time."

Blake closed his remarks by urging Jamaicans to work alongside the police in their efforts to combat violent crime and create a safer society.

"Let me encourage every Jamaican who truly believes in justice, to work alongside the Jamaica Constabulary Force to continue our mission to bring down violent crime even further this year, and let’s create a society where we can all feel safe."

His comments come amid renewed debate over police accountability and crime-fighting strategies, as rights groups continue to call for reforms while law enforcement officials insist that the current approach is necessary to maintain order.