Archive for the ‘judicial’ Tag

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?
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