Commissioner condemns killing of cop, posting of images on social media
KINGSTON, Jamaica — One day after being installed as Commissioner of Police, George Quallo this morning condemned the execution-style killing of a policeman on Constant Spring Road in the vicinity of the Merl Grove High School yesterday.
The constable, identified as Leighton Hanson, was assigned to the St Andrew North Division.
“It is unfortunate that while performing his duty to serve, protect and reassure the constable was met with such cruelty and callousness,” the commissioner said in a release from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Corporate Communications Unit (CCU).Hanson reportedly attempted to arrest a suspect after responding to a call yesterday. However, the suspect, who was allegedly resisting, managed to disarm and shoot the policeman several times.Members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and a private security company saw what was happening and intervened. Reports are that the suspect allegedly pointed the gun at the soldiers and was shot. He later died at hospital.The CCU said that although Quallo was outraged at the killing, he applauded members of the JDF who intervened.“I applaud you for summoning courage in the face of danger and taking the necessary action to prevent more lives being lost,” Quallo said. “Actions like these underscore the continuing partnership between the JCF and the JDF and should serve as a reminder to criminals that the security forces stand united in the fight for a safer Jamaica”.Quallo also encouraged social media users to cease sharing images and videos of the incident out of respect for the dignity of the slain cop and his family.“Constable Hanson gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to his fellow citizens. In honour of his memory, let us show some empathy for the family of the slain man,” Quallo urged.The new top cop also urged vigilance from the police, saying an attack on any law enforcement officer “is an attack on the State and the very foundation of the security of our nation”.Hanson’s murder brings the total to three police officers killed since the start of the year.