In recent times Jamaica has seen commendable progress in its law enforcement strategies, with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) adopting advanced technological approaches and enhancing communication techniques to better serve and protect our communities.

These efforts have contributed to measurable gains in reducing crime rates, reflecting a police force that is increasingly aligned with modern policing needs. However, the recent surge in police killings, as highlighted by Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), with a reported 163 per cent increase in fatal shootings, cannot be overlooked or dismissed without due consideration.

While I commend the JCF for their proactive measures in intelligence-driven operations, the troubling trend of police-related fatalities do demand a thoughtful re-evaluation of current practices. The absence of body-worn camera footage in many of these fatal encounters, as noted by JFJ, underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability, not only for public reassurance but also for the integrity of the force itself.

In light of this, I propose a shift towards non-lethal policing methods which can help reduce fatalities while maintaining public safety. Below are some alternatives that could be implemented, informed by successful tactics from other countries and instances:

1) Rubber bullets and bean bag rounds: These less-lethal alternatives to live ammunition can incapacitate suspects without causing fatal injuries. Countries like Brazil have successfully used rubber bullets during public demonstrations, significantly reducing the risk of unnecessary deaths. Similarly, bean bag rounds, which are small fabric bags filled with lead shot, have been used in the United States to subdue suspects without penetrating the skin, thereby minimising the risk of fatal injuries.

2) Water cannons: Employed in countries like Germany and South Korea, water cannons can disperse crowds and control riots without resorting to lethal force. They are particularly useful in managing large public gatherings or protests, providing a physical barrier that can deter aggressive behaviour without causing harm.

3) Sonic cannons (long range acoustic devices): These devices emit sound at volumes that are uncomfortable but not harmful, providing a non-lethal means to disperse crowds or deter individuals from approaching police lines. Used effectively in the United States during protests, sonic cannons can create a safe distance between law enforcement and potentially hostile crowds.

4) Tasers and stun guns: Widely used in the United States and Canada, these tools incapacitate suspects temporarily, allowing for their safe apprehension without the need for lethal force. Tasers deliver an electric shock that disrupts muscle control, giving officers time to handcuff suspects without resorting to firearms.

5) Tranquiliser darts: While controversial, tranquiliser darts offer an alternative for dealing with individuals who pose a threat but are not necessarily an imminent lethal danger. In South Africa these have been used in wildlife management and could potentially be adapted for human use in specific scenarios, such as barricaded suspects or individuals experiencing severe mental health crises.

6) Sleeping gas: Used in hostage situations or high-risk arrests, sleeping gas could be a humane way to subdue individuals without resorting to violence. This method has been explored in various countries for its potential to neutralise threats without causing long-term harm.

7) Martial arts training: Enhancing officers’ hand-to-hand combat skills can reduce the need for firearms. Techniques like judo, used by police in Japan, can effectively control suspects with minimal risk of severe injury. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which focuses on grappling and ground fighting, has also been adopted by police forces in the United States to safely restrain individuals without causing harm.

8) Batons and nunchucks: Traditional tools that, when used correctly, can subdue suspects without the need for guns. They require skill and training, ensuring that only trained officers use them to avoid unnecessary harm. In the Philippines police have successfully used batons in crowd control situations, demonstrating their effectiveness when used appropriately.

9) De-escalation and crisis intervention training: Beyond equipment, training in de-escalation techniques, negotiation, and conflict resolution can reduce the instances when lethal force is deemed necessary. Programmes like the one in the UK, focusing on mental health awareness and crisis intervention, have shown promising results. In Norway police are trained extensively in de-escalation, which has contributed to one of the lowest rates of police shootings in the world.

10) Community policing and engagement: Building trust with communities can help reduce crime and create an environment in which lethal force is less frequently necessary. In countries like New Zealand community policing initiatives have fostered positive relationships between law enforcement and the public, leading to more cooperative and less confrontational interactions.

11) Body-worn cameras: Ensuring all officers wear and activate body cameras during operations can enhance transparency and accountability. Studies in the United States have shown that the use of body cameras reduces the use of force by police and increases public trust in law enforcement.

12) Non-lethal projectiles: Foam-tipped projectiles, used by French police, can incapacitate suspects without penetrating the skin, reducing the risk of fatal injuries. These projectiles are designed to deliver a strong impact, stunning the suspect and allowing officers to safely apprehend them.

The adoption of these methods does not imply a weakening of the force but rather an evolution towards a more nuanced and humane approach to policing. It reflects a commitment to the preservation of life, aligning with the principles of justice and human rights that are fundamental to our society.

I urge the leadership of the JCF to consider these alternatives, not as a replacement for their current efforts but as a supplement that can reduce the risk of unnecessary deaths while still maintaining public safety. Let us move towards a policing model in which every life is valued and every encounter, even in the most challenging circumstances, is handled with the utmost respect for human rights.

Yannick Nesta Pessoa is an activist, entrepreneur, and artist. Send comments to Jamaica Observer or yannickpessoa@yahoo.com.