Dear Editor,

Please allow me space to share with your readers a matter that I suspect may be under investigation, but I do hope that my concerns will lead to some actions that will prevent same from reoccurring .

Recently, in a community of Portmore there was a tragic case of a child being killed by the suspected misuse of the parent’s firearm. The parent is a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). My question to the JCF and, by extension, the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) is with regard to the due care and management of a firearm when taken home by a police officer.

I know that due to the nature of their jobs, the “keeping and caring” of a firearm will be important to police personnel’s personal safety and so I would not question the policy of the JCF to allow this. However, this brings me to the FLA, which is very clear on the prerequisite of all firearm owners, firearm holders, and permitted users.

The FLA dictates that for the safe management of firearms, there must be in place a safe/strongbox, etc, to lock away the firearm and to keep the item from falling into the wrong hands .

It is my humble opinion that the JCF and the FLA should collaborate to ensure that every officer of the JCF who is desirous of taking home their service firearm, or is privileged to do so, has in place a safe or strongbox to lock away the firearm as they go about their homely duties.

Keeping the firearm under a pillow or on the dresser is not appropriate.

Howard D Hamilton

Portmore Pines

Greater Portmore,

St Catherine