Editorial

Perspective: Conviction Of Jamaican Cop On Murder and Conspiracy

Police High Command’s Silence
Perspective 
We are shocked that on about the 15th November 2018 when a six member (6)  jury found Constable Collis “Chucky” Brown guilty on three counts of murder, conspiracy and wounding with intent the police leadership is silent.  It was a serious departure by a jury in Jamaica, by convicting Brown. Police virtually get away with murder repeatedly in our courts. This conviction is a departure from what has been perceived as a systemic problem in the police force as it relates to respect for life.
The Police High Command has been deafeningly silent.  They must stand up and take responsibility for the failings of their commanders and foot soldiers in the police force.  They must also take a moral position on extra-judicial killings …it cannot be business as usual Mr. Commissioner.
The police Federation must stand up and also condemn police extra-judicial killings.
INDECOM 
The Independent Commission Of Investigations (INDECOM) was formed/created to help to stem the apparent lack of respect for the right for life.  Too many innocent lives have been and continue to be snuffed out by a trigger happy police force.  They have said they acted in the best interest of keeping our society safe by eliminating those believed to be a threat to the wellbeing of our society are neutralized.  There has been a downward trend in police murders since INDECOM was established some 10 years ago.  One hundred or less killings by police last year.  When compared to prior to INDECOM two hundred  or more police killings per year were recorded.
Judiciary 
All must have their day in court.  Natural justice demands nothing less.  In the USA there is the Black Lives Movement (BLM) set up to counter police extra-judicial killings of especially black people.  We have a respected judiciary and the police should  not be allowed to act outside the law.
Extra-judicial Killings
In this our perspective we hope the police force will respond publicly and let it be known to all that extra-judicial killings is serious business.  The police cannot be allowed to feel that in acting on our behalf this makes them above the law. We are all supposed to be equal under the law, even the abusive police who breaks the law by extra-judicial killings.
This is our perspective, what is yours?
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision newspaper Canada.

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