Jamaica’s Police Commissioner Vows to Continue Combatting Crime
Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake’s Address
Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake is promising that law enforcement officials will continue to locate and dismantle criminal networks across the island as National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang insisted that the members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JPF) are not involved in extrajudicial killings.
Protecting Communities
Addressing the handing over ceremony of a newly J$200 million (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) built police station in Lacovia, St Elizabeth, southwest of here, Blake said the police would not be complacent in protecting communities from criminals.
"We know that crime is a dynamic and ever-evolving threat, and we must remain vigilant and unyielding in our efforts to protect our communities, and I say this without hesitation," Blake said.
"We will not surrender our homes, businesses, or communities to criminals. Some seek to destabilize and terrorize law-abiding citizens of the nation, but the JCF will always stand firm as a barrier between them and our people.
Unity in the Fight Against Crime
"I urge every resident of Lacovia to stand firm and united in the fight against crime, be intolerant of criminality in all its forms, work alongside us, support your local police, and together, we will continue to keep the community safe," Blake said.
Recent Developments
His remarks came as police shot and killed a man on Wednesday, said to be a high-ranking member of the Spanish Town-based Clansman gang. He is identified as 55-year-old Richard Evans, also called Richie, and is from the Mollison district near Christiana. The police say a semi-automatic pistol was taken from him.
National Security Minister’s Address
In his address to the ceremony, the National Security Minister said that the JCF was not killing criminals but instead wanted to have them placed before the courts.
"The Commissioner has told me that the majority of targets are, in fact, before the courts, but there are those who choose to take on the police, and we have had that," Chang reiterating that the JCF is not a hit squad.
"If they (criminals) want to come in, we will take them to the courts. We have a sound justice system, and the police prepare cases well. They go to court, and the police prefer that and so do we as ministers and the government.
Conclusion
Jamaica’s law enforcement officials are committed to protecting communities from crime and ensuring that those who commit crimes are brought to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JPF) involved in extrajudicial killings?
A: No, according to National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang, the JCF is not involved in extrajudicial killings.
Q: What is the JCF’s approach to dealing with criminals?
A: The JCF aims to have criminals brought before the courts, rather than engaging in extrajudicial killings.
Q: How many fatal shootings have there been this year by the security forces?
A: According to official figures, there have been over 50 fatal shootings so far this year by the security forces, more than double for the comparative period last year.
Q: What is the goal of the JCF in terms of crime reduction?
A: The JCF aims to drive down crime even further and build a Jamaica where peace and security are the foundations upon which citizens can thrive.
About The Author
