Glenroy Sinclair and Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writers

( L - R ) Alexander, Gordon, Genus, Daley

( L - R ) Ebanks, Rhodes, Biggs, Kameka

Not since 1984 has the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) seen so many of its members killed by gunmen. According to the records, 19 policemen have been shot and killed since the start of the year. This is one less than the record number killed in 1984.

With the exception of Constable Michael Haughton who was killed during what was later confirmed as 'friendly fire' in April, all the other officers murdered so far this year, were taken out by gunmen.

While he was unable to give a clear picture of the investigations in relation to the slain policemen, Assistant Commissioner at the Major Investigation Task Force, Les Green, says the team has had some successes.

The records also show that 97 policemen have been slain by criminals since 2001. Another dark period for the police force was between 2001 and 2002 when 31 of their colleagues were gunned down.

In responding to the recent spate of police killings, psychologist Dr. Grace Kelly believes it is sad that Jamaica, which possesses so much potential and talent, has citizens who are determined to exhibit criminal behaviour.

No one safe

Dr. Kelly also believes that police killings are an indicator that no one is safe. "It's a statement saying everybody's life is at risk. There is no respect for law and order; people are not finding appropriate avenues for expressing their anger."

Prominent businessman and former chairman of the JCF's ethics and service board Henley Morgan says the dire situation in which Jamaica has found itself is the result of the 'garrisonisation' of the society which has now borne fruit in the attacks on citizens which include policemen and women.

"I think in Jamaica's case the crime cannot be discussed in a general way. We are in fact an aberration, Jamaica has a peculiar situation and that is political garrisons. That problem has been allowed to continue for a generation. Like all diseases it mutates, and the nature of the crime is changing to militia and terrorist type," he told The Gleaner.

And Susan Goffe, chairperson of Jamaicans for Justice, bemoans the number of police killings. She repeated the organisation's call for an improvement in the investigative capabilities of the force and the justice system so that killers will fear being caught and brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the police are now asking for the assistance of the public to find Massinissa Akhenaton Adams who they believe is involved in the murder of ACP Gilbert Kameka.

Policemen killed by gunmen since the start of the year

Rank Name

Cons. Ralston Ebanks

Sgt. Huan Genus

Spl/Cpl Charles Gordon

Cons. Richard Haughton

D.C. Luke Rhodes

Cpl. Scarlett Biggs

D/Cpl Dave Daley

Cons. Richard Alexander

S/Cpl Joslyn Francis

Sgt. Cleveland Wilson

S/Cpl Gareth Smith

Sgt. Edgerton Brown

Cons. Richard King

Cons. Fidel Beckford

Cons. Cornel Lewis

Cons. Richard Harrison

Cons. Valentine Chambers

ACP Gilbert Kameka

Sgt. Allan Lindsay