POLICE Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has scoffed at suggestions that ‘trigger-happy’ cops engaged in extra-judicial killings have been on the increase leading to the sharp rise in fatal shootings by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has reported that 187 people have been fatally shot by members of the security forces so far this year.

This is 32 more than the 155 reported for all of 2023 when the country recorded a 16 per cent increase in fatal shootings by members of the security forces compared to 2022.

Questions about fatal shootings by members of the JCF intensified last month when two policemen were speedily charged with murder, among other offences, in connection with the fatal shooting of three men in east Kingston.

Corporal Mark Roye and Constable Kelby White were charged with three counts of murder; using firearm in the commission of a felony; discharging firearm within 40 yards of a public thoroughfare; and placing an item on the scene of a crime.

It was initially reported that 17-year-old Oshane Stubbs, 19-year-old Orando Campbell, and 20-year-old Kayshawn Smith were fatally shot on November 10 along Windward Road after they engaged members of a police team in a shoot-out.

But following investigations by Indecom the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled days later that the cops should be charged.

This prompted speculation about other fatal shootings by the police, which have been challenged by residents.

But in a message to mark the end of this year, Blake argued that any attempt to say that the police have been trigger happy must be rejected.

“We cannot allow the narrative to focus solely on fatal shootings when the evidence overwhelmingly shows that the police strive to preserve lives and uphold the rule of law. Let us not lose sight of this reality as we work towards a safer Jamaica for all,” said Blake as he noted that significant focus has been placed, in some quarters, on fatal shootings by members of the JCF this year.

Blake said while many of these matters remain under investigation and he must reserve detailed comments, it is important to make a few things clear.

“We continue to urge members of the public who are confronted by the police to comply with the instructions of the cops,” declared Blake as he pointed directly at armed criminals who engage the police in shoot-outs.

“The police have superior training and equipment, escalating such situations will not end well. Lay down your weapons. Do not raise your guns against the police,” said Blake.

“It must also be emphasised that the JCF’s clear preference is to bring persons before the courts to face justice rather than engage in fatal confrontations. This is evident by the numerous wanted persons and high value targets who have been pursued, arrested and brought before the courts this year,” added Blake.

He noted that so far this year 724 illegal guns have been seized by law enforcement officers with 438 taken from people.

“That means that on hundreds of occasions a police officer confronted and apprehended a gunman and charged them under the new Firearms Act. These cases demonstrate our commitment to lawful and measured policing focused on justice through the legal system,” said the commissioner.

While pointing to a 14 per cent decline in major crimes so far this year, with murders down 18 per cent when compared to the same period last year, Blake said the police are determined to build on this success and will be going after major players involved in crime.

“Throughout 2024 we continued to refine our operational strategy, integrating it closely with the work of the intelligence community. This has enabled us to identify, target and apprehend high-risk offenders who pose significant threats to public safety.

“To those offenders who believe they can evade the reach of justice, let me be clear, we know who you are and our resolve will not waver. This intelligence-driven approach has been critical to the gains we have made this year and remains central to our strategy moving forward,” declared Blake.