KINGSTON, Jamaica – Advocacy group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) says that body worn cameras will actually protect lawmen as it cites several instances of conflicting accounts between policemen and residents surrounding police killings.

“JFJ is well aware that robust crime-fighting efforts are sometimes necessary in the hostile environments in which members of the security forces operate. However, in a number of instances, eyewitness reports and forensic evidence have contradicted official narratives—body cameras will help to address some of these discrepancies,” the group said in a statement responding to comments made by Police Commissioner Kevin Blake.

READ: No Apology

Blake had himself been responding to an initial statement from JFJ that expressed concern about the double digit increase in shootings this year over the same period in 2024.

Stressing that it was not accusing the police of extrajudicial killings, the human rights organisation doubled down on its concerns.

“While we acknowledge the efforts of the police to suppress the high levels of criminal activity across the country, we remain deeply concerned that the dramatic rise in fatal police shootings warrants greater scrutiny,” the group said.

“JFJ firmly believes that body cameras will significantly enhance transparency and accountability in our crime-fighting efforts. We strongly believe that body cameras not only serve to protect the rights of citizens but will also provide evidence to exonerate officers who might be involved in controversial shootings.”

They described the commissioner’s statement—that investigations would not be hindered by a lack of body cameras— as troubling, maintaining that their absence “diminishes the capacity of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to ascertain the facts.”

JFJ also said it did not shrink from the commissioner’s charge that Jamaicans for Justice is seeking relevance.

“Though the comment might have been intended otherwise, we take it as a badge of honour. We believe that issues of equity and transparency are as relevant today as they were in the past. If staying abreast of justice-related issues is deemed seeking relevance, we are guilty as charged,” said JFJ.

JFJ is urging the police commissioner to collaborate with civil society groups toward finding solutions that balance public safety with the preservation of accountability and justice for all.