Bishop speaks on cop-citizen relations

NEWLY ELECTED Anglican Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, the Reverend Dr Howard Gregory, has raised concern about the relationship between citizens and police personnel, saying it is a matter that needs to be addressed urgently.

In a Gleaner interview, Gregory said that during his tenure, he would be speaking out on the issue so that persons in authority would take action.

The number of police killings since the start of the year has triggered intense public debate.

To date, more than 48 civilians have been killed during police operations this year.

Gregory said he would be working across denominations to deal with this national concern.

"This matter is one that concerns me. I feel that it is a very serious matter that we need to address as a nation and I certainly will continue to speak on that issue because I believe those in governance have a responsibility to do something before it is too late," he stressed.

Since then, Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington and National Security Minister Peter Bunting have announced that the policy is being reviewed.