Former Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin has accused the government of obstructing investigations into fatal police shootings.
He stated that the government is complicit in continuously delaying the full implementation of body-worn cameras during high-risk operations.
Lewin emphasized that the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) often struggles to gather sufficient evidence to effectively address police accounts in these critical situations.
He highlighted the importance of fostering transparency and accountability for the benefit of everyone.
Lewin made these remarks on Wednesday at a policy roundtable hosted by Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) at The Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston.
During the event, the advocacy group presented a proposed legislative framework titled “From Policy to Statute,” which aims to make body cameras mandatory for specific police operations.
The former commissioner noted that, despite years of appeals from INDECOM and civil rights organizations, successive administrations have failed to take meaningful action.
Referring to the government, Admiral Lewin stated, “They are tone-deaf.”
He also remarked that the authorities have ignored calls for action, often providing a series of creative and questionable excuses.
Lewin observed that whenever a new reason is presented and subsequently debunked, they simply move on to another excuse, mocking previous objections that cameras should not have blinking red lights.
He pointed out that without body camera footage, investigators must rely heavily on police statements, particularly in cases where officers allegedly remove witnesses before what they claim are deadly confrontations.
Alleged crime ring in Trelawny busted, five men arrested
Police in Jamaica have arrested five suspects linked to a multi-million-dollar crime ring. Authorities believe this organization is responsible for a series of coordinated attacks on businesses throughout Trelawny.
Investigators allege that the accused men were part of a well-organized criminal network that targeted businesses across the parish between December 2025 and April 2026. They allegedly stole goods and cash valued at over $20 million.
On April 11, law enforcement officers conducted an operation and intercepted a group of men. During the operation, officers allegedly discovered stolen items along with cash in Jamaican, US, Canadian, and British currencies.
The authorities arrested and charged the following individuals.
1. Kardell Williams, 47, of Mammee Bay, St. Ann
2. Decarclova Lewis, 39, a shopkeeper from Windsor Road, St. Ann’s Bay, St. Ann
3. Franlyn Crosse, 46, of Henlon, Norwood, St. James
4. Omar Anthony Collman, 33, of Coral Gardens, Montego Bay, St. James
5. Randy Murray, 40, of Farm Pen, Westmoreland.
The police indicted the five suspects with being part of a criminal organization and other serious crimes.
Law enforcement officers have yet to schedule a court appearance date for the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.