Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine:

The death of a special constable in a rural community in Clarendon is causing undue grief for residents who have come to love the law enforcement man, who was shot and killed about 9:10 p.m. on Saturday night in Wood Hall, near Chapelton.

Joslyn Francis was 49 years old and had given more than 20 years of his life to the Island Special Constabulary Force, seven of which had been spent in the Chapelton Area. Residents could not come to grips with the loss of a cop they had come to love.

"He was well loved for the work that he has done on the streets of May Pen, and even the vendors have a very good account of how gentle a lawman he was, and his death is mournful," remarked Const. André Mulgrave, of the Constabulary Communication Network.

Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) Condolences

Earlier this week, human rights group Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) expressed its own condolences to the special constabulary.

"We recognise that the police play an integral part in the protection of residents and the maintenance of law and order," the JFJ said. "The loss of life of another member of the police force due to violent crime is both disquieting and disconcerting."

Chairman of the Special Constabulary Association, Christopher Bowen, claimed the death of the veteran special constable has created a void, and it is hoped that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to book.