Force on high alert as cops allegedly being targeted

The police are now on high alert following credible information that members of the force are being targeted. According to the High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), they have launched investigations into what is believed to be three separate but coordinated attempts on the lives of police officers and their families, resulting in the death of 67-year-old Clifton Green, the father of a detective inspector of police, who resided in the community of Riversdale, St Catherine.

Three men have been taken into custody in connection with the attacks.

Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, said: “These targeted attacks on our police officers to disrupt law and order and incite public fear and panic are of grave concern and will not be tolerated. No stones will be left unturned in these matters and the security forces will not rest until the perpetrators have been brought to justice.”

Chang said that the JCF will not be deterred and will be redoubling its efforts to dismantle gangs and restore peace and safety in communities.

He said the bill to amend the Anti-Gang Legislation was returned to the ministry recently, assuring that “this administration will continue to work hard to strengthen the provisions of the Anti-Gang Legislation to bolster prosecutions against gangsters while deterring crime”.

Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, said the force remains undeterred in its efforts to bring down criminal gangs.

“We will relentlessly pursue, not only the individuals who carried out these attacks, but also those persons who helped facilitate, organise and coordinate them in any way. These latest attacks have only served to strengthen our resolve to dismantle these criminal gangs. We will continue to pursue the support systems, connected parties and sources of funding for these criminal enterprises,” Anderson stated, while imploring members of the force to remain alert and vigilant as they continue to carry out their duties.

Yesterday, a police sergeant was shot while on duty in Manley Meadows, St Andrew. Reports from the Elletson Road police are that about 5:46 a.m., the sergeant, accompanied by a constable, responded to a robbery in the community. On their arrival, two armed men were seen standing on a roadway. On approach of the lawmen, the assailants opened gunfire which caused the officers to return fire. The sergeant received a gunshot wound to his shoulder before the gunmen escaped in the area. The officer was taken to hospital where he was treated and released; the constable was not injured. A top-level probe is now underway into that incident.