KINGSTOWN, St Vincent and the Grenadines, — The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) has thrown its full support behind head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, amid growing concern about the high number of police killings in the country.

Jamaica has recorded more than 50 killings since the start of the year, drawing criticism from advocacy groups.

However, the CFPWA in a statement Friday said it supports Blake in his “strong stance against criminals who continue to endanger the lives of police officers and law-abiding citizens across Jamaica.”

CFPWA General Secretary David Barnett expressed concern about what he claimed was the “glaring silence” from Jamaican human rights groups when officers and civilians are killed.

“While these groups are often vocal in their advocacy, their absence in condemning attacks on law enforcement officers and civilians is both troubling and unacceptable. We call on these organisations to show balance and fairness in their advocacy and to recognise that police officers, who put their lives on the line daily to protect society, also have rights that must be defended.”

“Do the police officers have the right to life and the right to use reasonable or justifiable force to defend their lives? Should we use tasers or batons against criminals who are shooting at us?” Barnett questioned.

Barnett maintained his position that those who murder police personnel should face the death penalty.

“When criminals choose to engage the police with gunfire, we as police officers must use our superior training to not only survive but to neutralise the threat posed to us and the citizens we have sworn to serve and protect.” he emphasised.

Barnett backed Blake in his call for rights groups and the families of criminals to encourage them not to shoot at cops.

Thursday, advocacy group Jamaicans for Justice condemned the increase in police killings and called on the force to put measures in place so body-worn cameras are integrated into operations.

READ: JFJ appalled by surge in fatal shootings by members of the security forces
The CFPWA head maintained that “the rule of law must prevail, and we should not and will not allow criminals and their sympathisers to dictate the terms of engagement.”