Commish reminds cops about use of force policy

Almost a week after a policeman shot and killed a pregnant woman and injured her sister in St. Thomas, the Police High Command is reminding members of the force of guidelines to help prevent a recurrence.

The Police High Command has from time to time reminded police personal of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s use of force policy.

However, with the gruesome killing of eight months pregnant Kay-Ann Lamont in Yallahs on Saturday, the police commissioner, Owen Ellington, was even more extensive in his reminders in this week’s Force Orders.

He said as far as possible during the execution of their duties police personnel should use non-violent means of restraint before resorting to lethal force.

And to drive the point further home, the police commissioner outlined detailed steps which must be taken before the issuing of weapons, when carrying out special operations, and after operations are completed.

Commissioner Ellington said officers in charge will be held responsible if the procedures are not followed, or if they fail to take the necessary steps to prevent junior members from committing atrocities in their presence.

He has directed Commanding Officers to ensure that the provisions governing the use of force are brought to the attention of members under their command through weekly lectures for the next three months.

Commissioner Ellington said Commanding Officers should take steps to disarm personnel under their command, who display signs of emotional instability, whether their weapon is service-related or personal.

He said this measure is intended to protect families, colleagues and members of the public from tragic occurrences.

He said staff welfare must immediately be placed as a priority item on the agenda of all staff meetings and that there should be no delay in responding to welfare issues.

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