KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is expressing shock following Sunday’s incident in St Elizabeth in which a one-year-old girl was shot after her three-year-old sibling allegedly gained access to the service firearm of their father, who is a police constable.

The CPFSA in a press release on Tuesday, said it is relieved that the child survived the incident and extended wishes for her full and speedy recovery.

The agency said a first responder has been assigned to investigate the matter to ensure the wellbeing of the children involved is safeguarded, and to provide immediate counselling and support to the family.

READ: One-year-old shot after 3-y-o brother gets hold of cop father’s gun

The agency is reminding all firearm owners that weapons must be secured at all times. If a firearm is not being carried on one’s person, it should be made safe, with the safety engaged where applicable, and locked away in a secure location that is completely inaccessible to children.

Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager of the CPFSA Kristen Laing, said the incident should never have occurred.

“We are absolutely shocked by what has happened. The reported circumstances are particularly troubling given that the firearm belonged to a police officer, someone who, more than anyone else, should understand the importance of proper firearm handling and storage through professional training. Every firearm owner however has a duty to ensure that a weapon is never left where a child can gain access to it. Children depend entirely on adults to keep them safe, and there can be no excuse for leaving a firearm within their reach,” she said.

Laing further stated that the incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a preventable act of negligence can become a life-altering tragedy.

“We are extremely grateful that this little girl is still alive. Hey family could have instead been mourning her loss today. We have seen far too many similar incidents end in tragedy. While this officer is fortunate that his child survived, others who leave firearms carelessly or fail to secure them properly may not be afforded the same outcome,” she said.

She continued, “Only recently, the CPFSA highlighted this very issue in an episode of our Pickney Sense television series, where a firearm safety expert from the Firearm Licensing Authority shared practical guidance on the safe storage and handling of firearms. Those recommendations were not theoretical, they were intended to prevent incidents exactly like this one. We urge every firearm owner to take those safety measures seriously, because one lapse in judgement can have irreversible consequences for a child, and an entire family.”