INDECOM probing fatal shooting of Everald “Pete” Daley

December 1, 2016 – The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of Everald Daley o/c Pete in Kingsland, Manchester. The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. this morning. The report received by INDECOM from the police is that DSP Miller and a team of officers attached to the Mandeville Police Station were responding to reports of a wanted suspect in the Kingsland area. It is understood that Det. Constable Garth Chambers was also shot but on discovery the bullets were lodged in his bullet proof vest. A team from INDECOM are on location processing the scene, the body of the deceased and will continue to make enquiries. The Commission is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call 1.876.968.8875,1.876.968.1932 or call our mobile number at 1.876.878.0167. Persons are also encouraged to call our new Toll Free Lines: 1.888.991.5555 or 1.888.935.5550. –

Commentary

We attach report of yet another police shooting that has led to a fatality. The rate of police shootings of civilians have increased this year when compared to last year by about 5 percent. Over 100 so far this year 2016.

National Security Minister met with Commissioners Dr. Carl Williams of the JCF and Terrence Williams of INDECOM yesterday December 1, 2016. It was not disclosed what waa discussed as it was a private meeting and no official release has been sent to the press, but there has been ongoing tension between the police and the ever strident oversight watchdog known as the Independent Commission Of Investigations (INDECOM).

MOU

There has been a much tooted but still pending memorandum of understanding to be signed between the “combating forces.”

We hope this signing will ever be pending. Any attempt to undermine the integrity of INDECOM would not be the best interest of a perceived corrupt police force.

Would anyone in their sound mind want to go to bed with someone believed to be infected with a sexually transmitted disease? We doubt that very much. INDECOM must be left alone to do it’s job.

Exta-judicial Killing (Murder)

The rate of arrests of police suspected of murdering citizens in cold blood is very low and appears to be disproportionate to anecdotal accounts of such shootings. An alleged plot at evidence tampering at crime scenes by collecting spent shells after police shootings, and systematic intimidation of witnesses seems endemic in the police force. This modus operandi seems to be their/police focus if not culture.

Amnesty International reported many such cases in their most recent report on strange police activities/human rights abuses in Jamaica. Some 50 citizens were interviewed. Police intimidation of witnesses after police shootings … widespread.

Planting Firearm

An alert Judge discovered recently a crude attempt to plant an illegal firearm on a suspect … the case was dismissed forthwith. How many such cases have slipped through the system undetected that resulted in unlawful convictions of innocent citizens? Why did the police resort to such a low down act?

Vision hopes the Andrew Holness led government will not bow to pressure by unprofessional, rogue elements in and outside the Police force to undermine the effectiveness if not integrity of INDECOM … this would be a serious betrayal of trust.

Do not dilute the stridency of INDECOM.

Commentary by HOPETON O’CONNOR-DENNIE, Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.