Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has suggested that calls for there to be fewer fatal shootings involving lawmen, should be directed at the criminals who challenge the police.
He was reacting to comments by human rights lobby group Jamaicans for Justice, JFJ.
Yesterday, the JFJ called for urgent action to address the surge in fatal shootings by the security forces.
According to the JFJ, 50 people have been fatally shot by members of the security forces since the start of the year.
This is 31 more than what was recorded in the corresponding period, last year.
JFJ Executive Director Mikel Jackson had said this year’s figure is alarming.
In response, Dr. Blake urged the JFJ to be more responsible in its pronouncements, noting that criminals should be warned against challenging the police.
Dr. Blake said the Constabulary force will not relent in its efforts to protect law abiding citizens.
Noting that these incidents also affect the force’s members, Dr. Blake called on the JFJ to show that it cares about the welfare of law-abiding citizens.