ST JAMES, Jamaica- Head of the Area One Police Division in Hanover, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Glenford Miller is warning criminals that the police will be forced to defend themselves when confronted by gunmen.

This after Tuesday afternoon’s fatal shooting of two brothers during an alleged confrontation with members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in the parish.

The deceased brothers have been identified as Henrique Harvey and Romaine Harvey, both of Green Island addresses.

“I am appealing to the criminals, when my police officers come for you, surrender. Don’t try to confront my police officers. My police officers are trained to defend themselves and defend the citizens of this country and that they will do with the utmost respect and professionalism at all times. I appeal to you,” ACP Miller urged.

According to Miller, who was recently transferred to Area One, Tuesday afternoon’s confrontation commenced as the police were in the process of executing a warrant on a man in Green Island, who reportedly pointed a gun at them. He said the police took action and the man was killed during the alleged confrontation.

“Another man, upon hearing what was happening, actually ran into the direction of the police with a firearm. He was also shot and killed and the police actually seized that firearm,” the senior cop said.

But irate residents who on Wednesday staged a demonstration in Green Island over the killings, contradicted the police’s version of the incident. They claim that the brothers were murdered by the police and are demanding justice.

Members of the Independent Commission of Investigation (INDECOM) are investigating.

In the meantime, the police say 12 of the 23 murders reported in Hanover between January 1 and June 1, were committed in the Green Island area.

“Within the Hanover space, Green Island in particular has seen over 12 murders, which is not the norm for Hanover,” Acting ACP Miller said, declaring that the police will not stand by and allow criminals to take control of the parish.

“Criminals want to take over our space and we will not tolerate that. That will not happen! The law-abiding citizens of this country, especially those persons who live in Hanover, do business in Hanover; must live in peace in Hanover and feel safe. And we, the police, we are here, will continue to protect them and try to ensure their safety and security at all times,” he said, as he urged criminals to turn themselves in.

“My saying today to the criminals out there, carry in yourselves, hand in yourselves. Most people who we consider to be wanted or persons of interest-you know yourselves- bring in yourself; come in with your pastors, come in with your lawyers but you need to come to the police so that we can clear up any ambiguities or any accusations that you believe was made against you,” he said.

Acting ACP Miller also called on citizens to partner with the police in their fight against crime.

“I am also appealing to the citizens of Area One and persons who traverse to Area One, you need to partner with the police. It is only through partnership that we can make Area One a safe place where people want to live, do business and raise their families. Together we will make Area One safe,” he said.

– Horace Hines