DEADLY FORCE
Commish throws support behind cops who take lethal but justifiable action
IN THE presence of numerous local and foreign dignitaries, yesterday, newly installed Police Commissioner George Quallo declared his full support for members of the force, who, from time to time, may have to apply deadly force against members of the public.
Quallo’s announcement came at the Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew during his official installation as the island’s 29th police commissioner.
His statement, made before dignitaries like Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips and United States Ambassador to Jamaica Luis Moreno, was met with loud applause from the audience, which comprised mostly of scores of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members.
“I make no apologies for taking this principled position. Particular situations will require the use of force, especially against hardened criminals. Colleagues, I will vigorously defend you when you have no option but to use justifiable force to protect your own lives and the lives of our citizens,” he stressed.
In recent times, the United States Embassy in Kingston has donated less-than-lethal kits to the JCF to assist them in reducing deadly force against the public.
Quallo was experiencing a slight throat problem during what was his first official address, but sought to outline, convincingly nonetheless, that he will not be supporting members of the force working to further erode trust between the people and the police.