The amount of police fatalities in Jamaica since the beginning of the year has increased to 107, following the fatal shooting of a man in Grants Pen, St. Andrew.
The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Gerald Gallimore. Gallimore, who was also known by the alias ‘Birdie’, was shot during an alleged confrontation with the police.
According to reports, the authorities were conducting an operation along Grants Pen Drive at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Monday when Gallimore allegedly challenged the officers.
After Gallimore was shot during the confrontation a Glock pistol affixed with a magazine containing four rounds of ammunition was reportedly taken from him. He later died from his injuries at the Kingston Public Hospital.
Gallimore’s death is currently under investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM). Amid the increase in police-related fatalities when compared to the same period last year, INDECOM has renewed its call for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to be fitted with body-worn cameras.
Advocacy group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ ) has also called for body-worn cameras. JFJ arranged a peaceful protest for today in Halfway Tree, calling for the government to make it mandatory for the equipment to be worn by the country’s law enforcement.
