Tweet
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Eyebrows continue to be raised following news that a soldier pointed his weapon in the face of Commanding Officer of the Spanish Town Division, Superintendent Harry Daley.
The incident is alleged to have happened during the joint police/military operation at a dance in Spanish Town, St. Catherine early Saturday morning.
Superintendent Daley has confirmed that the incident took place while he was at the dance.
He said he was not informed that the operation would have been conducted.
Members of the Police High Command are yet to make a statement on the matter.
The top brass of the Police Force were reportedly in a meeting when RJR News sought an interview Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, reports received by RJR News that a child was among those arrested on Sunday have also not been confirmed by the police.
Human rights lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is expressing concern about the operation.
Better intelligence policing - JFJ
More than 100 persons were detained in the joint/police military operation.
JFJ Spokesperson Susan Goffe told RJR News her organisation views the situation with alarm.
She said the intelligence arm of the force needs strengthening.
"The need for intelligence driven operation that equate to spear fishing rather than net fishing is something that we are convinced needs to be followed.
The issue of preventive detention is one of great concern to us because it goes against the fundamental right of presumption of innocence," said Mrs. Goffe.
While conceding that Jamaica's crime problem demands strong measures Mrs Goffe cautioned against the erosion of civil liberties.
Only one man charged
The majority of the over 100 persons held in the operation has now been released.
However one man, Everald Bailey is still being held and is facing several charges including the illegal possession of a firearm and shooting with intent.
Director of Communication in the Jamaica Constabulary Force Karl Angell describes the joint police/military operation as successful.
He said over the last 10 days, 28 weapons including three AK 47 rifles and 186 assorted rounds of ammunition have been seized.
Mr. Angel said more than 200 people have also been detained in the Corporate Area and in two divisions in St. Catherine
Eyebrows continue to be raised following news that a soldier pointed his weapon in the face of Commanding Officer of the Spanish Town Division, Superintendent Harry Daley.
The incident is alleged to have happened during the joint police/military operation at a dance in Spanish Town, St. Catherine early Saturday morning.
Superintendent Daley has confirmed that the incident took place while he was at the dance.
He said he was not informed that the operation would have been conducted.
Members of the Police High Command are yet to make a statement on the matter.
The top brass of the Police Force were reportedly in a meeting when RJR News sought an interview Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, reports received by RJR News that a child was among those arrested on Sunday have also not been confirmed by the police.
Human rights lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is expressing concern about the operation.
Better intelligence policing - JFJ
More than 100 persons were detained in the joint/police military operation.
JFJ Spokesperson Susan Goffe told RJR News her organisation views the situation with alarm.
She said the intelligence arm of the force needs strengthening.
"The need for intelligence driven operation that equate to spear fishing rather than net fishing is something that we are convinced needs to be followed.
The issue of preventive detention is one of great concern to us because it goes against the fundamental right of presumption of innocence," said Mrs. Goffe.
While conceding that Jamaica's crime problem demands strong measures Mrs Goffe cautioned against the erosion of civil liberties.
Only one man charged
The majority of the over 100 persons held in the operation has now been released.
However one man, Everald Bailey is still being held and is facing several charges including the illegal possession of a firearm and shooting with intent.
Director of Communication in the Jamaica Constabulary Force Karl Angell describes the joint police/military operation as successful.
He said over the last 10 days, 28 weapons including three AK 47 rifles and 186 assorted rounds of ammunition have been seized.
Mr. Angel said more than 200 people have also been detained in the Corporate Area and in two divisions in St. Catherine
Comment