POLICE COMMISSIONER Francis Forbes has ordered an internal investigation into circumstances in which four people were killed by gunmen in the August Town area of St. Andrew on Sunday, while a curfew was in place in sections of the community.
The People's National Party (PNP) caretaker for the area, Colin Campbell, blamed the security forces for the death of the four men. He accused the police of incompetence in the way the curfew was handled.
Mr. Campbell was supported by angry residents who vowed to retaliate. At least nine persons were shot over the weekend in the Hermi-tage/Goldsmith Villa area.
A small representative group from the PNP and the JLP strongholds of the community yesterday met Mr. Forbes, who previously talked with the Member of Parliament, Dr. St. Aubyn Bartlett and Mr. Campbell, on Monday afternoon.
Apart from assuring them that an internal investigation had been launched into the circumstances of the curfew, the Commissioner said the police, in whatever way, would assist the families affected by the shootings.
After listening to their concerns, Commissioner Forbes immediately increased the number of personnel at the August Town Police Station, he also proposed to upgrade the station with new equipment and specially-trained police to work in the community.
Reports are that he has since assigned Superintendent C. Simpson to be in charge of special programme to improve the relationship between the community and the police.
The Gleaner understands the residents have extended an invitation to the Commissioner to tour the community.
