INDECOM is Concerned About the Rise in Police Shootings. INDECOM is the independent body that investigates police shootings and abuse of power. It has expressed concerns over the increasing number of fatal police incidents. Additionally, INDECOM critiqued the police for their failure to use body-worn cameras.
On Friday, INDECOM raised concerns after four separate fatal police operations in St. Catherine between July 17 and 18 resulted in the deaths of four men within just 24 hours.
According to INDECOM, the number of people fatally shot by security forces in 2025 has increased to 177. The number indicates a 121% rise from 80 fatal shootings during the same period in 2024.
From July 18, 2024, to July 18, 2025, a total of 288 people have been shot and killed by members of the security forces.
INDECOM pointed out that the police did not use body-worn cameras in any of those incidents.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has acquired body-worn cameras and the necessary supporting infrastructure. But, INDECOM states that these devices are not being routinely deployed.
In many of the fatal encounters reviewed by INDECOM, police officers claimed that suspects pointed firearms at them. But the lack of third-party witnesses or video footage has made it difficult to independently verify these claims, the agency noted.
INDECOM insists that body-worn cameras are crucial for public accountability and transparency. They also protect police officers from false allegations.
Cops charged a St Thomas man who allegedly shot at the police while INDECOM investigates the incident.
Detectives from St. Thomas, Jamaica, have charged a man in connection with an alleged gun attack on police officers. The shooting reportedly occurred during a pre-dawn raid in Lanes Gate, Bull Bay, on Thursday, July 3.
Authorities identified the suspect as Delano Brissett, o/c ‘Shrimpy’, 34, an equipment operator of Lanes Gate.
Investigators charged Brissett with possession of a firearm, use of a firearm to commit a felony, and shooting with intent.
The Morant Bay police reported that at approximately 2:45 a.m. on July 3, a team conducted a search at Brissett’s residence. They were armed with a search warrant under the Firearms Act.
Upon entering the premises, the officers reportedly came under heavy gunfire from Brissett and his accomplice.
The police returned fire. When the shooting stopped, the officers found Jhedelle Christie, also known as ‘Jay’, 27, of Water Road, suffering from gunshot wounds. The police reported that Christie was clutching a blue Ruger nine-millimeter pistol.
The authorities have informed INDECOM about the deadly shooting.
Law enforcement swiftly rushed Christie to the hospital, where the authorities pronounced him dead.
Meanwhile, Brissett fled the scene on foot but later surrendered to the authorities. The police charged him after a question-and-answer session. His attorney was present.
The authorities have scheduled Brissett to appear before the St Thomas Parish Court on July 25, 2025.