Call to support the police after MoBay shooting

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to express my firm and unwavering support for the men and women of the St James police who were injured while carrying out their duties in Montego Bay. My prayers are with Corporal Smellie, Constable Martinez and Woman Constable Griffiths, and I wish each of them a full and speedy recovery.

These officers were doing exactly what we ask of them: pursuing a man wanted in connection with multiple murders and shootings. That they were fired upon in the dead of night, in a narrow, zinc-fenced passage with treacherous footing, only underscores the danger our security forces face every single day.

The acting commissioner, Clifford Blake’s, warning to criminals should be heeded by every gang leader and gunman in this country. Anyone who chooses to confront the police in a shoot-out is choosing violence over the rule of law and must expect a swift and forceful response.

Our police have a legal, lawful and constitutional right to defend their own lives when fired upon. No one should expect officers to stand down and accept injury or death simply because a wanted criminal decides to shoot rather than surrender.

The circulation of a voice note in which a woman allegedly claiming to be the dead man’s sister expressed regret that the wounded officers did not also die is deeply troubling. Such sentiments have no place in a society that claims to want peace, and they should be condemned by every well-thinking Jamaican.

We cannot build a safer Jamaica if segments of our population celebrate violence against the very officers sworn to protect us. Crime-fighting only succeeds when citizens stand visibly and vocally behind the police rather than behind criminals.

I recognise the significant gains our security forces have made in reducing crime across the island. Yet, incidents like this one in Mount Salem remind us that dangerous individuals remain willing to shoot at police rather than face justice in court.

All law-abiding citizens, community leaders and public officials should publicly back the St James police at this time. Silence or ambivalence in the face of such attacks only emboldens those who see violence as an acceptable response to law enforcement.

To the injured officers, thank you for your service and sacrifice. To the wider St James police, know that many citizens stand firmly with you.

ROBERT DALLEY