Blake condemns deadly attack in St Catherine, says JCF will not relent in pursuit of criminals

Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake has vowed that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will not be intimidated or relent in its pursuit of criminals following a deadly attack on police personnel during an operation in St Catherine on Friday.

In a video message posted on the JCF’s social media pages, Blake condemned the attack, which left at least one policeman dead and another critically wounded.

The third cop was injured in the operation.

“The High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force condemns in the strongest possible terms the deadly attack on our officers during an operation in Sligoville, St Catherine today,” he said.

Blake expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a reminder of the dangers officers face in carrying out their duties.

“This tragedy lays bare the brutal conditions our officers confront daily, pursuing the most violent elements in our society, so that Jamaicans can live without fear,” he said.

The police commissioner said the loss underscored the risks faced by members of the force, adding that the expectation was for every officer deployed on an operation to return home safely.

“We expect every officer we deploy to return home safely. Today that expectation was shattered,” he said.

Blake, however, insisted that the attack would not weaken the JCF’s resolve to pursue those responsible and dismantle criminal networks.

“Let there be no misunderstanding the Jamaica Constabulary Force will not be intimidated. We will not retreat, and we will not relent,” he said.

He added that the perpetrators and the criminal networks supporting them would be pursued and brought to justice.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.