'The Ministry of National Security and the Police High Command have come out in strong condemnation of the murder of Detective Corporal Warren Campbell, who was shot multiple times near his home in Patrick City, St Andrew, on Thursday night.

Yesterday, Minister of National Security Peter Bunting assured Campbell's family and the general public that "no effort will be spared in bringing the killers to justice".

Bunting said, "Corporal Campbell is the first policeman on active duty to be slain since the start of this year. His death comes at a time when the murder of a retired senior crime fighter is still fresh in our minds. Jamaica is indebted to the men and women of the security forces who every day make tremendous sacrifices to protect us and attacks on them will not be tolerated."

He urged members of the security forces to be alert at all times and implored persons with any information which may assist in the investigation to contact the nearest police station.

COWARDLY ATTACK

In the meantime, a release from the Police High Command stated that "the cowardly attack on the policeman is a manifestation of the real dangers that lurk in the Jamaican law-enforcement environment on a daily basis, and it is unfortunate that while the police dedicate their lives to serving and protecting the citizens of this country, there are those among them who actively plan law enforcers' demise, and seek opportunities to put these plans into motion".

Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington expressed condolences to Campbell's family, and gratitude to them for having allowed him to serve his country. He assured the family that his memory would be honoured, and that all efforts would be made to support them in their time of sorrow.

Chairman of the Police Federation, Sergeant Raymond Wilson, described the shooting as a brutal attack on law enforcement and urged rank-and-file members of the force not to be deterred by the murder of their colleague and to remain fearless in carrying out their duties.

According to reports, shortly before 9 p.m., Campbell had just walked out of his home on Patrick Drive to meet a female companion and the two proceeded to walk to a nearby fast-food establishment.

A vehicle drove up and a man jumped out and fired at Campbell, hitting him seven times. The gunman then sped off in the vehicle. The woman was not harmed.

The 26-year-old detective corporal died while undergoing treatment at hospital.

The policeman's service pistol was later found by a civilian and handed over to investigators.

Campbell, who was attached to the Organised Crime Investigation Division, was a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for six years.