ACP Miller urges citizens to fulfil jury duty to prevent trial delays
Published:Monday | March 24, 2025 | 12:06 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Glenford Miller, commander of the Area One police formation, is urging residents of St James, Hanover, Trelawny, and Westmoreland to respond positively to jury summonses, emphasising the crucial role jurors play in ensuring timely trials and preventing case transfers.
Miller stressed that jury participation is a civic duty and that the absence of jurors significantly hampers the judicial process.
“I want to encourage all citizens of Area One, especially those in St James, to step forward. It’s a civic duty, and we need our jurors to serve,” Miller said.
“Many cases currently before the court require juries, and without them, these matters cannot be tried.”
He pointed to the Mario Deane case as an example of the consequences of juror shortages.
Deane, who died in hospital on August 3, 2014, after a brutal beating at the Barnett Street Police Station, had his case initially set for the St James Circuit Court. However, after nearly a decade of delays – primarily due to an inability to empanel a jury – the case was transferred to the Westmoreland Circuit Court on November 15 last year. It is now being heard before High Court Judge Justice Courtney Daye.
NO NEED FOR FEAR
Addressing concerns that potential jurors may fear retaliation from criminals, Miller reassured citizens that serving on a jury is safe and a fundamental responsibility.
“You need not have any fear; it’s part of the justice system. We expect citizens to fulfil their civic responsibility by ensuring justice is served,” he said, noting that police officers are exempt from serving as jurors.
Senior Superintendent Othneil Dobson, head of the Westmoreland Police Division, highlighted the division’s commitment to ensuring jury notices are effectively served.
“The Westmoreland Division issued the most jury notices in Area One for 2024 and was commended by judges presiding over the circuit court,” Dobson said.
He noted that more than 316 jury notices were served across the parish, a significant achievement in strengthening the judicial process.
The discussion on jury duty came in the aftermath of an awards ceremony last week hosted by the Westmoreland Police Civic Committee and the Westmoreland Police Division, where 60 police officers were recognised for their outstanding service.