Letter of the Day | JFJ must do more than sounding the alarm

THE EDITOR, Madam:

For its own credibility, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) at the number of reported killings by the police. It must pay some attention to the circumstances in which those killings took place for at least a preliminary impression as to whether those were justifiable homicides.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) was established precisely to investigate such instances. It is expected to conduct its investigations and declare its findings.

The JFJ has not cited even one instance in which it appears that an extrajudicial killing has been carried out. If such a case exists, I will be the first to join with them in its condemnation.

The JFJ is on stronger grounds in questioning the use of body-worn cameras, and INDECOM should pronounce on this in its findings.

Make no mistake about it. There are vicious criminals who will not hesitate to confront the police and kill them if they can. The police cannot be expected to be mindful of statistics and restrain from using deadly force if, in their judgement and as will be subject to independent investigations, the circumstances warrant it.

BRUCE GOLDING

Former Prime Minister of

Jamaica