The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) wishes to address and refute the claims made in a recent Sunday Jamaica Gleaner report, headlined: “Marked for Death – Gang Threatens Businessman after CCTV footage leak in Murder Case.” The JCF wishes to state that the claims in the story are, not only baseless, but are also damaging to our reputation and the trust we work tirelessly to build within our communities.
It is essential to clarify that the video in question was already circulating widely on social media before the JCF became aware of it. The notion that this footage was shared with the police by any individual is categorically false. At no point did anyone provide this video directly to the JCF, and we only became aware of it after it had gone viral. To date, no one has shared the video directly with the police.
The claims made in this story are, simply, without foundation. Such reckless reporting is deeply concerning as it erodes the public’s trust in the JCF, undermining our ability to serve and protect communities and effectively investigate crime. When the media choose to publish unverified and misleading information, it damages the integrity of the press itself, harming not just the JCF, but the communities we are dedicated to safeguarding.
This story, unfortunately, reflects what we have observed as a consistent pattern from this particular journalist and media outlet—a pattern that fails to reflect the rigour and accountability essential to responsible journalism. While the JCF is a firm advocate for democratic freedoms and the role of an independent press, we must also emphasise that with these freedoms comes a duty to report accurately and responsibly.
Damaging, unfounded allegations of this nature run the very real risk of destroying the collaborative relationships that are vital in combating and dismantling criminal organisations.
The High Command is calling for the Jamaica Gleaner to retract the story and publish an appropriate apology, given the very serious implications of the misleading claims that were made therein. The JCF remains committed to transparency and partnership with the media and the public, and urge this media house to exercise the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in their work.
