The police are maintaining a strong presence in and around 100 Lane, Red Hills Road, amid tensions following a recent fatal police shooting.

This was disclosed by Head of the St. Andrew North Police, Superintendent Randy Sweeney.

Twenty-eight-year-old Shaquille Dawkins was fatally shot during an alleged confrontation with lawmen at 100 Lane on Friday.

Residents blocked sections of Red Hills Road on two occasions to protest the killing.

Speaking to IRIE FM News last evening, Superintendent Sweeney said his officers will remain on the ground, especially with the resumption of classes today.

He sought to assure residents that they will be allowed to go about their lawful business safely.

Superintendent Sweeney said that while his officers have not received any threats from gangsters following the fatal shooting, they remain alert.

In the meantime, the People’s National Party’s candidate for St. Andrew North Central, Christopher Henry, is demanding a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting.

Mr. Henry said residents reported that Dawkins was at home when he was shot.

He added that residents believe Dawkins did not fire at the police.

The MP candidate is calling for a full investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Mr. Henry noted that while they support the work of the JCF to serve and protect, this situation needs INDECOM to fully investigate and determine whether this was an extrajudicial killing, where the police acted beyond their powers.

He added that his call comes against the background of a significant increase in fatal shootings and the use of excessive force by the police in recent times.

He urged anyone with information about the incident to report it to INDECOM to support the investigation.

According to Mr. Henry, these recent incidents have contributed to a trust deficit between citizens and the police.

He expressed hope that the investigation will uncover the truth in this matter and allow justice to prevail, as the family and the community deserve answers and closure to such a tragic event.