KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is calling for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to deploy a portion of the 1,000 body-worn cameras being procured to officers for use in planned and tactical operations, particularly in communities with low trust and zones of special operations (ZOSO), as mandated by legislation.

In a statement on Wednesday, the group expressed grave concern over the 166 per cent surge in police fatal shootings, with 133 fatalities recorded from January to May 21, 2025, compared to 50 in the same period of 2024, including 22 deaths in May alone, according to preliminary data from the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom).

The latest of such incidents occurred on Wednesday when a man identified as “Sixx” was killed during a confrontation with cops in Grants Pen, which residents have since alleged is an extra-judicial murder.

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“While we make no assertion that these are extrajudicial killings, the alarming increase demands greater scrutiny. Reports from victims’ families and community members contradicting official police accounts in some of these incidents further underscore the urgent need for body-worn cameras to ensure transparency and protect both the public and police,” JFJ said.

The advocacy group is further urging the police to procure specialised body-worn cameras designed for tactical operations, to address functionality concerns, enhancing accountability and public trust.