Blake says cops strive to preserve life amid fatal shootings

Amid criticisms over the incidents of fatal shootings involving members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) so far this year, Police Commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake, is adamant that the constabulary remains committed to lawful and measured policing while "preserving" lives.

Speaking during his year’s review update on Instagram on Friday, Blake said the JCF's "clear preference is to bring persons before the court to face justice, rather than to engage in fatal confrontations."

This, he said, is evidenced through the numerous wanted persons and other high-level targets who have been pursued, arrested, charged and brought to face court proceedings.

According to the top cop, further evidence is seen through the number of firearms seized this year, as well as the number of persons arrested in connection to the seizures.

He said a total of 736 illegal guns were taken off the streets as of December 27. Of that number, 438 were seized from assailants.

"That means that on hundreds of occasions, a police officer confronted and apprehended a gunman and charged them under the new Firearms Act," Blake stated.

"We cannot allow the narrative to focus solely on fatal shootings when the evidence overwhelmingly shows that the police strive to preserve life and uphold the rule of law," Blake declared.

At the same time, the commissioner appealed to the public, especially criminals, to comply with the instructions of the police when confronted, as law enforcers have superior training and equipment.

"Lay down your weapons; do not raise your guns at the police," Blake urged.

According to information from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) website, 183 persons have been shot and killed by the security forces between January 1 and December 24, 2024.

There have so far been 15 fatal police shootings in December up to the 24^th.