A deadly police force
Jamaican police will be given batons, handcuffs, pepper sprays and equipment belts for approximately 6,500 frontline officers, later this year by the USA.
It’s a donation that has an underlying message – try and do something about police brutality in Jamaica. Between 2000 and 2010 there have been more than 2,220 fatal shootings by the police, that’s over 200 deaths a year on average. 2010 was particularly bad after the attack on Tivoli Gardens where 40 people are alleged to have been victims of extra judicial killings over the course of 2 days in May.
It’s a subtle nudge to the Jamaican authorities, rather than a strong kick, which is arguably what could be called for. With a culture of impunity within the police, secure in the knowledge that they are unlikely to be prosecuted for a death in the line of duty and in a country which is awash with guns – mainly shipped in boats from – guess where – oh, yes, that’s right the USA, then you tell me what are a few batons going to do?
[...] pepper sprays and equipment belts for approximately 6,500 frontline officers” – which prompts Jamaica Salt to ask: “With a culture of impunity within the police…and in a country which is awash [...]