JCF apologises for mistakenly identifying innocent man as wanted criminal

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has issued an apology to Alando Gray, a 26-year-old construction worker who was mistakenly identified as a wanted individual.

On Wednesday, TVJ News reported that Gray was working with his father in Manchester on May 28, when he became aware that his image was being circulated on a wanted poster.

Initially, he thought it was a prank, but soon realised that it was sanctioned by the JCF .

He said he, a pastor, and a football coach went to the Mandeville Police Station the following morning to turn himself in and make further inquiries.

After he explained the issue, he was told that would be placed in custody before being taken to Portmore, St Catherine.

After he was taken in, the news report said photo was posted on the JCF's Instagram page with the watermark 'in custody" on it.

He said based on the interrogation of the police, he knew it was a case of mistaken identity. His retained the services of a lawyer, and was subsequently released.

But his image was still posted, and Gray was fearful.

"Mi nuh go no weh, mi cya go work mi cya go noweh, mi haffi stay in, mi haffi lock in cause mi fraid, mi fraid mi go road and police see mi and seh a escape this ya man ya escape from prison,"he said.

TVJ news said it sought clarification from the JCF on separate occasions, but did not receive comment.

The news report said the photo was removed from the JCF's social media pages on Tuesday.

"The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) acknowledges that an error was made in our recent Wanted Wednesdays campaign, where the image of Mr Alando Gray was mistakenly published. This occurred due to the existence of another individual with the identical name who is in fact wanted in connection with a murder investigation," JCF said in a statement.

The JCF said it initiated a review of its processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all information released to the public.

"We are committed to preventing any recurrence of such errors in the future," it said.

"As always, we remain dedicated not only to reducing crime and ensuring public safety but also to upholding the human rights and civil liberties of every individual. We thank the public for their understanding and continued support," the JCF added.

- Sashana Small

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