KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s law enforcement community is confronting a dual crisis of rising violence against officers and perceived institutional bias, according to powerful testimony from Police Federation Chairman Sergeant Arleen McBean. Speaking at a memorial service for slain Constable Charles Stewart, McBean delivered a blistering critique of the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), demanding truly impartial probes into police-related incidents.
The emotional address came during Wednesday’s thanksgiving service at New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church, honoring Constable Stewart who was among two off-duty officers fatally shot during a November 13, 2025 altercation at a Waltham Park Road establishment. McBean framed these deaths within a broader pattern of violence, noting that approximately 40 officers had died from various causes in the preceding year, with five-six specifically killed by criminals.
‘Last year represented an extraordinarily difficult period for Jamaican law enforcement,’ McBean stated. ‘The scale of losses demands national unity against criminal elements rather than sympathy for offenders.’
Her most pointed criticism targeted Indecom’s perceived imbalance: ‘Have you ever witnessed Indecom issuing press statements condemning the killings of state agents? We require this body to conduct investigations that are genuinely independent, thorough, objective, and properly contextualized while maintaining public transparency.’
Despite her criticisms, McBean cautioned against public fearmongering and explicitly instructed officers to comply fully with Indecom investigations, emphasizing: ‘When Indecom requests statements, do not consider yourselves above legal obligations. Provide them.’
The Federation chairman highlighted significant crime reduction achievements—reportedly unmatched in three decades—as evidence of officers’ dedication despite confronting inadequate working conditions, morale challenges, unresolved welfare concerns, and compensation uncertainties. ‘These security improvements demonstrate the commitment of every JCF member working in extremely challenging circumstances to protect Jamaican citizens,’ McBean asserted.
She further addressed systemic issues, citing a recent incident where an injured uniformed officer allegedly failed to receive priority medical attention at Kingston Public Hospital. McBean called for established protocols ensuring officers receive appropriate emergency care.
Concluding with a stark warning about targeted attacks against law enforcement, McBean urged continued professionalism: ‘Criminal elements are systematically planning surgical strikes against officers. Maintaining discipline and integrity remains our strongest defense while we call upon the public to unequivocally reject criminality.’
Senior police officials including SP Randy Sweeney and ACP Christopher Phillips attended the service alongside Constable Stewart’s parents, siblings, and numerous family members, underscoring the depth of institutional and personal loss.