MANDEVILLE, Manchester — The police gave their assurance yesterday investigations will be conducted into allegations that the Mandeville police were negligent in responding to pleas for help from former newspaper vendor Natasha Dixon.

Dixon, a 29-year-old mother of six, allegedly died from injuries received during a dispute with 17-year-old Kevin Mignott, who is now facing a charge of murder. Dixon's six children range from ages two to 12 years.

"The matter will be investigated and the chips will fall where they may," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Derrick Cochrane, who has responsibility for the Area Three Police (Manchester, Clarendon and St Elizabeth).

Dixon, of Grey Ground District in the parish, reportedly had an altercation with Mignott after she was allegedly seen dancing with a man at a club. She was allegedly stabbed to death by Mignott during the heated exchange in the vicinity of Mandeville Park.

It was later alleged that Dixon, after receiving the injury, ran to the nearby Mandeville Police Station but officers at the guardroom failed to assist her. She collapsed and died close to the station about 5:30 am.

A relative of Dixon, while admitting that she was not an eyewitness to the incident and was relying on second-hand information, accused the police of acting improperly.

"If she reached the door they could have come out. Maybe she didn't have to die," said the woman who requested anonymity. "The police station should be an open place."

Assistant Commissioner Cochrane, meanwhile, said the Inspectorate of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was always ready to investigate citizens' complaints about alleged police inactions.

"The history of the JCF is replete with instances where members have been charged criminally and departmentally for their actions or inactions in this regard. The matter will be investigated and the chips will fall where they may," he insisted.