KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s 29th Commissioner of Police, George Quallo, who is presently speaking at his installation ceremony at the Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew emphatically stated that while he understands that, in certain circumstances, the use of force is the only option for his colleagues, he is not condoning the flippant use of deadly force.

“We all can agree that the issues of use of force and people’s rights are contentious ones,” the commissioner said. He acknowledged that there are particular situations that will require use of force be, especially against hardened criminals. “Yes, at times, the Police will, of necessity respond with deadly force,” he added.

The commissioner vowed to “vigorously” defend his colleagues when they have no option but to use justifiable force to protect themselves and the lives of citizens.

Quallo said: “I will vigorously defend you, when you I make no apologies for taking this principled position. Let’s, be clear, I will not stand for, or defend any of you my colleagues who wantonly abuse the rights of the citizens we are sworn to serve, protect, and reassure. I am under no illusion that the task of dealing with crime is easy. It requires a dedicated and competent work force. Among the efforts at capacity building, training will be essential.

“One of the areas that will be looked at very closely is the curriculum at the National Police College of Jamaica. This will be done with a view to ensure that the messages of professionalism and people’s rights are given the strongest focus. I believe, a properly trained police force – will build professionalism and significantly impact our main responsibility of creating a safer society.”