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Archive for year: 2026

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Steadfast Amid the Noise

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STEADFAST AMID THE NOISE

Greetings my distinguished Colleagues,

I trust that you have been having a great week at home and at work. Today, May 29 is the first day of National Sports. I hope as many of you as possible come out and support our social bonding occasion. I pray for the competitors that you may compete without injury and that you have fun while doing so, win or lose. Again, I want to thank those of you who have to hold the rein while your Colleagues participate in the occasion. We are grateful. We are seeing a 23% reduction in murders over last year, which I remind you, was an over 30 year record breaking year. Earlier in the month I called upon you to let us reduce the numbers for May, below the relatively low month May was in 2025. You have been answering. And so we are seeing so far a 24% reduction this May over May 2025. We have 2 days to go, so let us pull all stumps to deny these murderers the opportunities that they seek. For those who believe that these results are by chance, or as I heard some commenters said, solely because of Hurricane Melissa, they have no idea what a day and a night in your life look like. However Colleagues, I know. The High Command knows. And so I say to you again, thank you.

Permit me this week to speak candidly, but calmly, about an issue that has increasingly become a feature of public discourse surrounding the work of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Criticism of policing is not new, nor should it be unwelcome. In any democratic society, scrutiny of law enforcement is both expected and necessary. Objective criticism, grounded in facts, fairness and genuine concern for justice, has helped to shape better policing organizations across the world, and we are no exception. We have grown stronger because of constructive feedback, and we will continue to listen where criticism is reasonable, informed and sincere.

What is far more troubling, however, is the emergence of commentary that is not rooted in logic, balance or intellectual honesty, but rather in emotion, sensationalism and, at times, outright hostility toward the institution and the men and women who serve within it.

It is important that we remind ourselves and the nation of a few undeniable facts. In 2022, Jamaica recorded 1,498 murders. In 2025, that number fell to 673, a reduction of 825 or 55%. That decline did not happen by accident, nor did it happen in a vacuum. It came through strategic policing, stronger partnerships, improved intelligence capabilities, courageous frontline work, technological investments, and the relentless sacrifice of thousands of you on the frontline and support staff across this country. It came because the JCF has been transforming itself into a more modern, accountable, capable and professional organization.

Only last year, at our People, Quality and Technology Exposition, we proudly displayed our transformation journey and operational capabilities to the Jamaican people and to the wider world. The response was one of genuine awe and admiration. Many saw firsthand an organization embracing innovation, professionalism, service excellence and modernization at a level that rivaled policing institutions anywhere in the region and beyond.

Yet, in the aftermath of a few unfortunate incidents involving the questionable judgment of a small number of our members, some have suddenly become willing to define the entire organization by those isolated moments. Let me state clearly and without hesitation: we are never comfortable with incidents that result in injury or loss of life, whether involving any one of you or a member of the public. Every such incident matters to us. Every incident is subject to review, accountability and introspection. We do not celebrate harm. We do not excuse misconduct. We do not ignore our responsibilities. That is why I once again call upon you the professional disciplined members among us to reject the behaviours of the few that does so much damage to what we are building.

But neither will we accept the reckless characterization of our members as “murderers” by persons who appear unconcerned about the profound absence of logic, fairness and proportionality in such statements. To describe an entire organization of thousands of hardworking men and women in that manner, while disregarding the overwhelming good they do daily, is not courageous commentary. It is intellectual carelessness.

A modern society must be careful not to confuse loudness with wisdom, outrage with reason, or cynicism with intelligence.

I also wish to speak briefly to some individuals on social media platforms who often contribute to these discussions in ways that are deeply unsavory, uncivilized and devoid of thoughtful analysis. Critical thinking is not reserved only for those considered “elite”, “smart” or academically accomplished. Let no one cause you to believe that you are to be excluded from the community of rational thinkers. Intelligent discussion belongs to everyone willing to approach issues with fairness, logic, humility and respect. No one should ever feel excluded from meaningful discourse. Equally, however, none of us should surrender our reasoning to emotion, mob mentality, convenient narratives or outright irrationality.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is not a perfect organization. No organization is. Like all human institutions, we will sometimes stumble. We will sometimes make mistakes. When we do, we must acknowledge them, learn from them and improve. That is what professional organizations do.

What we will not do, however, is allow detractors to define this institution solely by the failures of a few individuals or isolated incidents, while ignoring the daily courage, restraint, professionalism and sacrifice demonstrated by the overwhelming majority of our members.

The JCF of today is a transformed and evolving organization. It is an organization committed to professionalism, constitutional policing, accountability and service to country. The thousands of officers who leave their homes daily to protect communities, confront violent criminals and preserve life deserve balanced judgment, not blanket condemnation.

To you our members, I encourage you to remain steadfast, professional and disciplined. Continue to carry yourselves with dignity, even in the face of unfair criticism. Continue to let your conduct speak louder than the noise. The Jamaican people are capable of discerning the difference between genuine concern and destructive rhetoric.

History, as it always does, will judge fairly.

I wish for you and your families a blessed and peaceful weekend. Stay safe, stay focused and continue serving with pride. Until next week, walk good.

St Ann Man Charged in Gun Threat Case

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ST ANN MAN CHARGED IN GUN THREAT CASE

Twenty-five-year-old Shavar Williams of Steer Town, St Ann, has been charged with the offences of Using a Firearm to Commit a First Schedule Offence, Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Injure and Possession of Ammunition with Intent to Injure following an incident that occurred in Green Bay, Steer Town, St Ann, on Monday, May 25.

Reports from the St Ann Police are that at about 2:50 a.m., a woman became involved in a physical altercation with Williams and another man, who both physically assaulted her. The woman managed to escape from the men, during which Williams allegedly fired two shots into the air and threatened the woman.

The matter was later reported to the police, and investigations were launched, which subsequently led to Williams being formally charged.

His court date is being finalised.

Photographer Faces Gun-Related and Assault Charges

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PHOTOGRAPHER FACES GUN-RELATED AND ASSAULT CHARGES

Twenty-seven-year-old O’Bagio Johnson has been charged with Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Assault at Common Law, and Unlawful Wounding following an incident in Kew district, Lucea, Hanover, on Wednesday, May 6.

Reports from the Lucea Police are that at about 6:00 p.m., Johnson and another man became involved in an altercation. During the dispute, Johnson allegedly pulled a firearm from his waistband and pointed it at the man. It is further alleged that he used stones to repeatedly strike the complainant in the head before fleeing the area on foot.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and an investigation was launched. Johnson was later arrested and formally charged following a question-and-answer session.

His court date is being finalised.

‘Pill’ Facing Larceny Related Charges

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‘PILL’ FACING LARCENY RELATED CHARGES

Eighteen-year-old Shevaughn Vickers, otherwise known as ‘Pill,’ a labourer of Rose Heights, St. James, has been charged with Office Breaking and Larceny following an incident that occurred in the parish between 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, and 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 12.

Reports from the Mount Salem Police are that an employee securely locked the establishment before leaving for home. Upon returning the following morning, he discovered that the building had been broken into and the office ransacked. Further checks revealed that several electronic devices, valued at approximately JMD $70,000, were stolen.

The matter was reported to the police, and an investigation was launched. During the probe, investigators reviewed CCTV footage which allegedly implicated Vickers in the commission of the offence.

On Wednesday, May 20, Vickers was arrested and later charged following a question-and-answer session conducted in the presence of his attorney.

His court date is being finalised.

Police Seek Witness for Court

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POLICE SEEK WITNESS FOR COURT

Detectives assigned to the Elletson Road Criminal Investigation Branch (C.I.B) are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a witness who is vital to a case currently before the Home Circuit Court.

He is Malik Meredith, whose last known address is Burgher Gully, Kingston 2.

He is scheduled to appear before the court on Thursday, June 18.

Malik Meredith, or anyone knowing his whereabouts, is asked to contact the Elletson Road Police at 876-928-4200, the police emergency 119 number, or the nearest police station.

‘Rubidoo’ Charged With Firearm-Related Offences

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‘Rubidoo’ Charged With Firearm-Related Offences

Detectives assigned to the St Andrew South Policing Division have charged 22-year-old Tyreke Byfield, otherwise called ‘Rubidoo,’ of Ladd Lane, Kingston, in connection with an incident along McKoy Lane, Kingston 11, on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

 

He has been charged with Shooting with Intent, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Unauthorised Possession of Ammunition, and Using a Firearm to Commit a Felony.

 

Reports from the Hunts Bay Police indicate that at approximately 11:20 p.m., a police team was on operation in the area when they observed Byfield standing along the roadway behaving suspiciously. Upon noticing the officers, he reportedly fled the scene. A chase ensued, during which Byfield allegedly drew a firearm and opened fire in the direction of the police. He later escaped by scaling a perimeter fence, but the firearm reportedly fell during the pursuit and was seized by the police.

 

Following intensive investigations, Byfield was apprehended on Thursday, May 21 and was positively identified during an identification parade. He was subsequently charged after a question-and-answer session with investigators.

 

A court date is being finalised for him.

Five Men Charged In Relation To Multi-Million Dollar Theft Spree

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Five Men Charged In Relation To Multi-Million Dollar Theft Spree 

Detectives assigned to the Trelawny Policing Division have arrested and charged five men with Being Part of a Criminal Organization in relation to a series of incidents in the parish between Friday, December 5, and Saturday, April 11.

 

Charged are:

  1. Kardell Williams, 47-year-old, of Mammee Bay, St Ann;
  2. Decarclova Lewis, 39-year-old, shopkeeper of Windsor Road, St. Ann’s Bay, St Ann;
  3. Franlyn Crosse, 46-year-old, of Henlon, Norwood, St James,
  4. Omar Anthony Collman, 33-year-old, of Coral Gardens, Montego Bay, St. James, and
  5. Randy Murray, 40-year-old, of Farm Pen, Westmoreland.

 

According to police reports, the men are alleged to be part of a criminal network that orchestrated a series of coordinated attacks targeting multiple establishments across the parish. Investigators say the incidents resulted in the theft of goods and cash collectively valued at more than JMD $20 million.

 

On Saturday, April 11, the accused men were intercepted during a police operation and reportedly found in possession of goods and cash in Jamaican, United States, Canadian and Pound Sterling currencies.

St Ann Man Facing Charges Following Murder

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St Ann Man Facing Charges Following Murder

Thirty-three-year-old labourer Jamie Stephenson, otherwise called ‘Tutu,’ of Mansfield Heights, Ocho Rios, St. Ann, has been charged with Murder, Wounding with Intent, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Unauthorised Possession of Ammunition and Using a Firearm to Commit a Felony, following a incident in Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine on Friday, May 15.

Dead is 62-year-old Clement Mills, of Pusey district, Point Hill, St. Catherine.

According to reports from the Spanish Town Police, at about 11:00 a.m., Mills and a female companion were travelling in a motor vehicle along the roadway when they were allegedly attacked by Stephenson. He reportedly brandished a firearm and opened fire on the vehicle, striking both occupants. Both injured persons were taken to hospital, where Mills was pronounced dead. The female passenger was treated for her injuries.

Later that day, police carried out investigations in the area where the incident occurred. Stephenson was reportedly seen at the location. Upon noticing the police, he fled and threw an object into nearby shrubs. He was pursued, apprehended, and escorted back to the area where the object was discarded. A search of the area led to the recovery of a Smith & Wesson pistol.

On Monday, May 25, Stephenson was positively identified during an identification parade. He was subsequently interviewed in the presence of his attorney and formally charged.

JCF MIDDLE MANAGERS GRADUATE READY TO DELIVER ON BOLD MANDATE

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Thirty-five middle managers from across the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) successfully completed the 91st Staff and Junior Command Course at the National Police College of Jamaica on Friday, May 22.

The 12-week course, which began on Monday, March 2, guided participants through five modules focused on leadership training, policy review and practical exercises. During the programme, the senior middle managers from the BVI, TCI and JCF were deployed across divisions throughout the country, where they gained valuable experience in the field.

This comprehensive training course was developed to effect meaningful change throughout the policing landscape, both locally and regionally. The theme, Leadership with Heart: Driving Positive Change, reflected the clear mandate of the programme, signalling a shift away from rigid, traditional policing tactics towards a more strategic and diverse approach to management and leadership.

This message was further reinforced by Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, during his keynote address.

The Burden of Judgment & Decision-Making in Modern Policing

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THE BURDEN OF JUDGMENT & DECISION-MAKING IN MODERN POLICING

There are professions where decisions can be revisited, revised, delayed or delegated. Policing does not enjoy that luxury. Every day, police officers are required to assess danger, interpret behaviour, evaluate risk and respond to uncertainty in real time. Those decisions often unfold within seconds. Their consequences can last for decades.

That difficult reality sits at the centre of the latest Commissioner’s Corner written by Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, who this week turns his attention to one of the most consequential dimensions of law enforcement: decision-making.

The timing of the Commissioner’s reflections is significant. Jamaica has once again found itself engaged in intense public debate surrounding police use of force following a recent fatal shooting incident in St James. Dr Blake never references the matter directly. He does not litigate the specifics of any active controversy. He instead chooses a more strategic and intellectually disciplined route. He examines the broader reality within which police decisions are made.

“Policing is, by its very nature, a profession of decisions,” the Commissioner writes. “Every day, across Jamaica, we are called upon to make judgments that carry consequences for life, liberty, safety, public confidence, and national stability.”

That point establishes the gravity of the discussion immediately. Decisions in policing are rarely administrative abstractions. They carry human consequences. They affect victims, suspects, families, communities and the legitimacy of the state itself.

Importantly, the Commissioner resists the temptation to romanticise policing. He instead grounds his argument in operational realism. “Some of these decisions are made in the quiet of an office after long reflection and consultation. Others are made in fractions of seconds on a roadside, in a volatile and hostile crowd, during a domestic dispute, or in the face of imminent danger.”

That distinction matters profoundly in any serious discussion about accountability and police conduct. Public analysis of controversial incidents often occurs after the fact, under conditions of calm reflection, slowed footage, legal interpretation and emotional distance. Operational policing unfolds under entirely different conditions.

“One of the realities that we all must accept is that policing rarely affords the luxury of perfect information. We often act under pressure, uncertainty, fatigue, emotional intensity, and incomplete facts,” Dr Blake observes.

This is perhaps the most intellectually rigorous section of the Commissioner’s column because it introduces a concept often absent from public commentary: bounded rationality.

Drawing on the work of Nobel Laureate Herbert Simon, the Commissioner notes that human beings “make decisions not with perfect knowledge, but within the limits of time, information, and circumstance.”

That insight is foundational to understanding policing in democratic societies. Police officers are not omniscient actors operating with complete situational awareness. They are human beings making rapid judgments inside unstable, unpredictable and often dangerous environments.

“When we are confronting an armed suspect, a rapidly evolving confrontation, or a threat to innocent citizens, we cannot pause the moment to conduct an academic seminar on alternatives,” the Commissioner writes bluntly. “Decisions must often be immediate.”

That statement should not be interpreted as an argument against accountability. Dr Blake explicitly rejects such a position. “Accountability remains essential in democratic policing,” he states clearly.

What the Commissioner demands, however, is analytical fairness. “There is an important distinction between evaluating a decision and ignoring the conditions under which it was made,” he cautions.

That distinction is critical. It introduces nuance into a discourse that increasingly struggles to accommodate complexity. The Commissioner recognises that operational policing will always attract scrutiny. He welcomes that scrutiny within the framework of democratic accountability. Yet he also insists that public evaluation must account for operational context, human limitation and the reality of decision-making under pressure.

“Critics and commentators often have the benefit of time, distance, hindsight, multiple video angles, legal consultation, and emotional detachment,” he notes. “You who are on the ground have none of those luxuries.”

That passage may become one of the defining reflections of his tenure because it captures the widening divide between operational reality and public perception in modern policing.

The Commissioner’s response to this tension is not defensiveness. It is preparation. “It is therefore important that we continue to train rigorously, think critically, and act professionally,” he argues.

This emphasis on training and disciplined thinking reappears throughout the column. Dr Blake repeatedly returns to the importance of professionalism, emotional maturity and intellectual resilience within policing culture. The Commissioner writes, “We must learn not to become paralyzed by criticism nor intoxicated by praise. Good decision-making is not the absence of criticism; rather, it is the disciplined pursuit of what is lawful, ethical, and necessary despite criticism.”

That is a remarkably sophisticated articulation of leadership under scrutiny. The Commissioner also broadens the discussion beyond frontline encounters and into strategic leadership itself. Decisions surrounding anti-corruption measures, redeployments, disciplinary actions and modernization efforts, he argues, frequently generate resistance despite their necessity. “Leadership decisions cannot be driven solely by popularity,” he writes. “They must be guided by principle, evidence, ethics, and the greater good.”

Ultimately, this latest Commissioner’s Corner is about judgment in its deepest sense. It is about the burden carried by those entrusted with state authority. It is about recognising both the necessity of accountability and the reality of operational friction. It is about cultivating police officers who can think clearly amid uncertainty and leaders who can act decisively amid pressure.

“The nation depends on our judgment every day,” Dr Blake concludes. “Let us therefore strive to ensure that our decisions – whether operational, tactical, or strategic – are grounded in professionalism and wisdom.”

In a society increasingly shaped by instant reaction and simplified narratives, that call for wisdom may be one of the most important interventions the national conversation can receive.