Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
Police officers at the Hunts Bay Police Station in Kingston are at a loss over the killing of one of their colleagues yesterday. Constable Desmond Douglas was shot and killed on Pelican Parade, Cockburn Gardens, during a shootout with gunmen. He is the fourth policeman to die at the hands of criminals in just over a week. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
A POLICE CONSTABLE was among three persons who were shot and killed during a flare-up of violence yesterday in the inner-city community of Olympic Gardens.
The dead constable, the fourth policeman to be killed by gunmen in just over a week, has been identified as 23-year-old Desmond Douglas, formerly of the Hunts Bay Police Station. Mr. Douglas, who reportedly was wearing a protective vest, was shot in the neck. He was killed while on operational duties along Pelican Parade which runs off Olympic Way.
The other men have only been been identified as 'Breddie' and 'Ned'. 'Breddie's body was found along Balcombe Drive while 'Ned' was cut down during a shootout with the police on Grass Quit Glades.
GUNBATTLE
According to police reports, the constable was among a group of policemen who attempted to enter a premises where gunmen were said to have congregated at about 5:30 a.m. A gunbattle ensued and during the exchange, Constable Douglas was shot.
The officer who got enlisted in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) four years ago, was pronounced dead at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). Nine members of the police force have been cut down by gunmen since the start of the year.
Reports are that about 20 minutes after the constable's death, the police were summoned to Balcombe Drive where 'Breddie' was found with multiple gunshot wounds.
POLICE CHALLENGED
Four hours later, the police re-visited the community and were challenged by a group of gunmen along Grass Quit Glades. Following a gunfight 'Ned' was found suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the KPH where he died.
Last week five policemen were shot, three fatally. This has pushed the number of persons murdered in Jamaica since January to over 603.
Mark Shields, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of crime, said investigations were ongoing into the killing of the three policemen last week. "We will bring those responsible to justice," he said while speaking on The Gleaner's website Go-Jamaica last night. As it relates to murders generally, the crime chief said "I'm working with my senior detectives on a strategy to increase our cleared up rates for homicides." He promised a more transparent organisation, vowing to win back the trust of the Jamaican people. To this end, the DCP pointed to the establishment of a professional standards branch and an anti-corruption unit. "I believe this will help in increasing public confidence," he said.
Meanwhile, according to Vivian Panton, the Chaplain of the JCF, the brutal killing of the policemen has impacted heavily on the members.
"They (the killings) affect the collective life of the Force, but each individual responds in his or her own unique way," said Dr. Panton.
He explained that the situation had made some members depressed, some angry, while others have become more resolute and more intent on tackling the crime problem. In expressing condolence to the family of the slain constable, National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips said the "cycle of violence against law enforcement officers and the vicious attacks on public order and social stability cannot be allowed to continue." He vowed that the police will use every resource available to hunt down the killers of Constable Douglas.
And Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas who visited the scene and viewed the body of the slain policeman, said Constable Douglas had paid the ultimate price as he and other members of the JCF seek to bring peace and stability to sections of the St. Andrew South Police Division.
"It is obvious that the forces of evil are bent on waging a campaign against the rule of law," said Mr. Thomas.
Local human rights group, Jamaicans for Justice said the killing of another member of the police force was deeply disturbing. The JFJ has called on members of the public to work with the police and do whatever they can to "ensure that the forces of law and order have the support of all".
Andrew Holness, the Member of Parliament for West Central St. Andrew, where the killings took place yesterday, described the situation as "crazy". He attributes the violence to an ongoing gang feud in sections of the community. Mr. Holness said 52 persons were killed in his constituency last year and up to yesterday the figure stood at twenty.
