KINGSTON, Jamaica — Police Federation Chair, Corporal Arleen McBean, has bemoaned the deafening silence of some individuals and groups within the society whenever members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are killed.

In a statement yesterday condemning the murder of a policeman in Westmorleland, McBeen expressed the belief that “the continued silence weakens the possibility of greater partnership to stem the upsurge of crime and violence in Jamaica”.

The slain cop has been identified as Constable Rohan Bucknor, who was attached to the Little London Police Station.

According to reports, Bucknor was at a barbershop in Petersfield in the parish getting a haircut on Sunday when he was approached by a lone gunman who opened fire hitting him multiple times.

“It must be noted and realised that we are now policing a country of grave uncertainty, with extraordinary high levels of first world criminal activities in a third world environment, which has never been seen before. While there are laws that are enacted to curve deviant and uncouth behaviour, coward criminals must at all times be prepared to face harsher penalties for their continued atrocities,” said the Police Federation.

McBean further posited that protection must never be given to those persons in our society who continue to create mayhem and rob families of their loved ones on a daily basis.

Despite the “scorn, danger, ridicule and imminent threat,” the Federation is pleading to rank and file officers to remain resolute but calm and tactful and continue to embrace their Oath of Office.

“The protection of life, property and the reassurance to the populace of Jamaica will be the pronounced hallmark of the rank and file members who will continue to show respect and uphold the rights of all; even those who seek to derail our efforts, however we will not be intimidated or dispirited in the execution of our duties,” said McBean.