Fatal Cherry Tree Lane shooting regrettable, constabulary force supports body cameras - JCF

The leadership of the police force has broken its public silence on the controversial fatal shooting of a Clarendon man last week, saying “the situation is most regrettable”.

Jahmar Farquharson, 22, was killed inside his home in Cherry Tree Lane on September 15 after a police team went there to execute a search warrant, according to authorities.

It’s reported that Farquharson was shot after he reached for a firearm, but closed-circuit television footage of the incident has raised concerns about that account by the police.

The incident has also reignited debate about the use of body-worn cameras for police during planned operations.

A statement from the police on Thursday said every police involved encounter that results in a fatality is “deeply unfortunate”.

However, the police cautioned that the facts of what took place on the day Farquharson was killed “are to be conclusively determined by an independent investigation”.

The statement also took issue with public comments by Assistant Commissioner of the Independent Commission of Investigation (INDECOM) Hamish Campbell suggesting that it is a “perfectly legitimate approach” for the Commissioner of Police or the leadership of the police force to speak publicly about fatal shooting incidents that are under investigation.

INDECOM is the body that has oversight responsibility for the security forces.

“This position is, at best, disingenuous given repeated public and private concerns raised by INDECOM in the past whenever the JCF [sic] has issued statements or offered commentary on such matters,” the statement said, making reference to the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The police cited previous guidance to the police from INDECOM, cautioning that premature dissemination of information can adversely impact investigations.

“It is therefore surprising to hear this about turn.”

The police restated its support for the use of body-worn cameras by cops and disclosed that the recent procurement process for 1,000 new cameras — the largest single purchase in JCF history— is complete.

It said the contracts are with the provider “ahead of delivery in the coming weeks".

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