Prime Minister Wants Review of Policy on Lethal Engagement by Police

The Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, has instructed the Minister of National Security to undertake, in consultation with the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, an immediate review of the policy governing lethal engagement by members of the Police Force in their operational conduct.
The instructions conveyed through the Acting Prime Minister Audley Shaw, require that the review be carried out and a report made to Cabinet within two weeks.
The Prime Minister who is attending the CARICOM Heads of government meeting in the Bahamas was reacting to reports of the fatal shooting yesterday of an 11 month old infant during a Police operation in Spanish Town. Mr. Golding said that the excessive and often times unwarranted use of fire power by the Police is a practice that must be reigned in and to which speedy investigations and effective sanctions must apply. To that end, he has also directed the Attorney General to provide him with a report by next Monday on the status of the promised legislation to establish an independent body to investigate abuses by members of the security forces.
The Prime Minister who said he was distressed at the report of the incident has conveyed apologies on behalf of the government to the family of the victim and said that the government will ensure that justice is done. He has further instructed the Minister of Labour and Social Security to meet with the family and to make arrangements for the government to take full responsibility for the funeral expenses.