Montague, Jackson condemn cop killing
Minister of National Security Robert Montague and the Opposition spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson have condemned the killing of a well known police corporal in Mandeville Friday evening.
Corporal Melvin Smith was shot dead in the Manchester capital after he tried to apprehend criminals who had earlier carried out a robbery in the popular central Jamaica town.
Smith had served the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for over a decade and he last worked at the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) at the Mandeville Police Station.
Montague described Smith as an exemplary member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He expressed condolences to the family of the slain man.
“This is very sad day for the Jamaica Constabulary Force and for the entire Jamaica; the JCF has lost a very valuable member. As a member of the CSSB Corporal Smith played an integral role in the police youth clubs in the parish”, said Montague, while appealing to residents to provide information which will result in the capture of the killers.
“There are several options to report these acts of criminality. The Stay Alert app available from the Google and Apple stores allows you to anonymously provide information via video, text, photo or text message; you may also write the information, put it in an envelope, mark an X on it, and drop it at any post office. You don’t need to write an address on it, or put a stamp on it, just drop it in the mailbox. Persons may also call 811, or Crime Stop at 311,” Montague said.
Jackson also expressed his sadness to the family of Corporal Smith and urged the police to work hard to apprehend the killers.