KINGSTON, Jamaica — The men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are being commended by National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang for what he says is their continued commitment and courage in fighting crime.

Minister Chang was speaking during a visit to the Denham Town police station on Friday, October 21, following the shooting death of Corporal Oliver Mullings while on duty in the Kingston Western Police Division on Thursday, October 20.

Corporal Mullings was gunned down on Third Street. It is reported that at about 10:45 pm, the Corporal was among a team of officers who responded to a call from residents in the area. It is understood that a gunman engaged the cop in an exchange of gunfire, during which both men were fatally shot.

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Describing the slain policeman as “a very good officer” who hails from a family of police officers, the Minister condemned the crime and offered condolences to members of the force and to the corporal’s family.

He said that the policeman’s death while answering a call to protect citizens demonstrates the “peculiar challenge our police officers face daily, especially in this very city”.

“[These] young men and young women are committed to doing better for the country and working to ensure we have a safer space. I commend [them] for their continued [dedication] and courage in fighting some very heinous and brutal criminals out there,” Chang said.

The National Security Minister reiterated the full commitment of the police in ensuring that the perpetrators involved in Corporal Mullings’ death are brought to justice

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“I think I can speak on behalf of the officers [that] they will remain unrelenting to find these criminals and they will use the resources they have in any way to apprehend them and bring them to justice,” he said.

Chang then sought to thank officers for their hard work in helping to keep the nation’s streets safe and assured them that the Government will continue to ensure they have all the tools necessary to combat crime.

“I thank them for that effort, and I can assure them that the Government will continue to pursue every effort to ensure they have adequate tools to fight the criminals,” he said.