标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has identified a significant rise in fatalities during planned police operations (PPOs), attributing the trend to the increased deployment of Area Fugitive Apprehension Teams (AFATs). According to a Special Investigative Report tabled in the House of Representatives, AFATs, which accounted for less than 5% of PPO deployments and fatalities in 2022/23, now represent 50% of deployments and nearly half of all PPO-related deaths as of July 2025. This stark escalation contrasts sharply with 2019, when the disbandment of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Mobile Reserve command coincided with the lowest fatality figures in recent history—86 fatal shootings and only 10 PPO-related deaths. Indecom’s data reveals a concerning trajectory: in 2022, AFATs were involved in 5% of PPOs, resulting in 31 deaths; by 2025, their involvement surged to 51% of PPOs, with 97 fatalities recorded in just seven months. The AFATs, a specialized unit targeting violent criminals across divisional boundaries, were established to address the mobility and networking of high-profile offenders. However, Indecom has raised alarms about the lack of modern forensic protocols during operations, noting that recovered firearms are often improperly handled, compromising evidence integrity. The commission also highlighted the disproportionate involvement of senior officers with prior fatal shooting incidents in PPOs, with 11 operations under their command flagged as suspicious. Indecom’s findings underscore the urgent need for improved oversight and forensic practices to mitigate the rising toll of PPO-related fatalities.

A violent altercation in Bamboo Lawn, Lilliput, St James, has led to criminal charges against a 33-year-old man. Duran Adlam, a radio operator from Ocean Heights, Lilliput, is accused of wounding with intent following a brutal attack on Sunday, April 20. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 8:00 pm when the victim was ambushed by Adlam and a group of assailants. The attackers reportedly stabbed and beat the man, who managed to flee to avoid further harm. The suspects fled the scene on foot, leaving the victim with severe stab wounds to his face and head. Emergency services transported the injured man to the hospital, where he was admitted in serious but stable condition. Adlam was later apprehended by law enforcement and formally charged. Authorities are currently finalizing his court date as the investigation continues.

In a significant development in St James, Jamaica, law enforcement authorities have formally charged Shamara Forrester, also known as “Toots,” believed to be the mastermind behind a notorious robbery syndicate operating in the parish. Forrester, a resident of Railway Lane in Montego Bay, was apprehended on Sunday and initially charged with illegal possession of ammunition. Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, head of the St James police, revealed the details during the monthly council meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation.

Downtown Kingston’s Darling Street area is once again grappling with a severe sewage overflow, sparking widespread concern among local vendors and residents. Effluent from multiple manholes has flooded public spaces near the bustling Coronation Market, creating unsanitary conditions and a persistent, foul odor that has become unbearable for those working in the area.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has identified a significant rise in fatalities during planned police operations (PPOs), attributing the trend to the increased deployment of Area Fugitive Apprehension Teams (AFATs). According to a Special Investigative Report tabled in the House of Representatives, AFATs, which accounted for less than 5% of PPO deployments and fatalities in 2022/23, now represent 50% of deployments and nearly half of all PPO-related deaths as of July 2025. This stark escalation contrasts sharply with 2019, when the disbandment of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Mobile Reserve command coincided with the lowest fatality figures in recent history—86 fatal shootings and only 10 PPO-related deaths. Indecom’s data reveals a concerning trajectory: in 2022, AFATs were involved in 5% of PPOs, resulting in 31 deaths; by 2025, their involvement surged to 51% of PPOs, with 97 fatalities recorded in just seven months. The AFATs, a specialized unit targeting violent criminals across divisional boundaries, were established to address the mobility and networking of high-profile offenders. However, Indecom has raised alarms about the lack of modern forensic protocols during operations, noting that recovered firearms are often improperly handled, compromising evidence integrity. The commission also highlighted the disproportionate involvement of senior officers with prior fatal shooting incidents in PPOs, with 11 operations under their command flagged as suspicious. Indecom’s findings underscore the urgent need for improved oversight and forensic practices to mitigate the rising toll of PPO-related fatalities.