INDECOM alarmed by police triple fatal shootings

A deadly four-day streak of three separate law enforcement confrontations has resulted in nine civilian deaths, triggering serious concern from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) about the surge in police-involved killings.

Commissioner of INDECOM Hugh Faulkner expressed concern the fatal shooting numbers involving the security forces over the past week. He said that as at yesterday, 12 persons have been shot and killed in incidents involving the law enforcement officers during April.

"Since January 1, 2026, a total of 88 civilians have met their demise in reported confrontation with the security forces," Faulkner said.

Of immediate concern are three separate incidents of triple fatal shootings recorded within just four days, now under active investigation.

"Three incidents of triple fatal shootings over the past 96 hours are being investigated by INDECOM operational teams, including investigators and forensic personnel," he said.

According to INDECOM, one incident took place in Westmoreland while there were two triple fatal killings in St Catherine.

Beyond the fatal shootings, the Commission is also probing allegations of abuse involving a senior citizen in Tawes Pen, St Catherine.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said the officer involved has been placed on interdiction pending the outcome of a thorough investigation by the Inspectorate and Professional Oversight Bureau (IPROB).

"The JCF does not condone any form of misconduct or abuse of authority by its members, and the actions portrayed in the video do not reflect the professional standards and core values upheld by the organisation," the High Command said in a media release.

INDECOM, meanwhile, stressed that all investigations will be pursued thoroughly, regardless of any parallel actions taken by the police.

"Investigations are pursued to conclusion notwithstanding any action taken by law enforcement."

In the meantime, Faulkner pointed to historical data highlighting concerns about the use of force by officers. Between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025, there have been 57 cases where charges have been brought against law enforcement personnel. He said nine cases have been for assault occasioning bodily harm.