KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Transport Authority (TA) has initiated an internal investigation following the viral circulation of a video showing one of its officers brandishing a firearm during a roadside operation. The incident, which unfolded during an attempted vehicle seizure, has prompted swift organizational response and raised questions about protocol adherence.
The controversial footage captures escalating tensions between TA officials and civilians during an enforcement operation. Visual evidence shows a heated exchange between a civilian and a TA officer, culminating in the officer drawing his weapon while issuing commands to ‘step back.’ The situation intensified when the civilian challenged the armed officer by placing a stone under the vehicle’s tire and daring the official to shoot him. The confrontation continued with the subsequent involvement of a police officer who emerged from the operational vehicle.
In an official statement released Monday, the Transport Authority explicitly distanced itself from the depicted actions, emphasizing that such conduct ‘does not form any part of its training protocols’ and violates established standard operating procedures and public interaction policies. As an immediate disciplinary measure, the involved officer has been removed from frontline duties pending investigation.
The authority has engaged both the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) to ensure comprehensive review of the incident. Reaffirming its commitment to proper conduct, the TA emphasized expectations that all employees uphold organizational values including courtesy, professionalism, quality customer service, and respect for Jamaican citizens.
Despite the incident, the authority maintains its dedication to providing efficient, safe, and reliable public transportation services while addressing this breach of operational standards.