LANCASTER, Manchester — Within an hour of security and political leaders meeting with angry and concerned residents here over the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Jemar Clarke by an off-duty policeman last Wednesday, felled trees and debris used to block the main road were cleared, signalling their hope that their grouse would receive attention.

The peace meeting on Tuesday stemmed from five consecutive days of protests in the south Manchester community of Lancaster, located between Newport and Asia. Residents and relatives of Clarke claimed “excessive force” was used by the police during the incident at Winston Jones High School.

“We only want to know that the police and the higher authority respect us… To see what them do the little youth,” said Clarke’s father, Owen.

The slain young man’s sister, Richie Ann Newman, said she now fears the police.

“I am afraid of guns now and I am afraid of blue uniforms, so I have to be asking questions. We are afraid. We see a police vehicle coming and we get traumatised. I am afraid and I am one of his siblings who embraced and loved the police and soldiers. I wanted to become a police officer. Now I see blue lights and I see my casket,” she said.

Expressing anger towards the police, during the peace meeting she questioned the constabulary’s use of force policy.

“The roadblock was mounted because of the manner in which he died and the fallacious statement that was released. The community is asking questions. How’s it that someone sways a car at an officer after hitting down people, [then] bullets were lodged in the front of the vehicle?” she asked.

The Jamaica Observer was told that Clarke, a mason and resident of Lancaster district, got into a dispute with men at a fun day at the school.

A police source told the Observer last week that when the event ended about 8:00 pm, it is reported that Clarke got into a white Toyota Axio, which he had reportedly rented, and used the vehicle to mow down a 16-year-old student and a 25-year-old man.

Sources said one of the victims was flung on to the vehicle during the incident. Two bikes were also damaged.

Further reports are that the off-duty policeman intervened and tried to stop the Axio.

Sources said Clarke allegedly swerved the vehicle towards the policeman. The cop reportedly opened gunfire on Clarke.

Clarke and the two other injured people were taken to hospital where Clarke was pronounced dead while the others were treated.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is probing the incident.

Opposition Senator Peter Bunting, who was among those in attendance at the peace meeting, said the police should use a “guardian approach” to regain the trust of the community.

“[There] is what I call the warrior approach, where police leave the station and they go and they go on duty to fight crime and I suspect that the unfortunate reports that we have heard of the behaviour of the police who were here… speaking to the shopkeepers, that was that kind of warrior approach,” he said while pointing out that the police’s approach to have a peace meeting was necessary.

“What you and your team have here today is what I call the guardian approach to policing, you are guardians of the community, you come here to protect the human rights of every single citizen. The truth of the matter is too many of our citizens only get exposed to the warrior approach to policing. They only know the people who come in the overalls with the assault rifles… that does not build trust in the community. What we want is more of the guardian approach. Don’t wait until only when an unfortunate incident happens,” he added.

Bunting, who is also the People’s National Party representative for Manchester Southern, called on police and residents to unite.

“I believe this is a first step, but it can’t be the only step… I believe that if the police engage the community like that the community will respond in a like manner and we develop that trust. I am making representation on their behalf, because we talk about people’s rights. I think one of the rights the community has is to grieve the loss of the family member and the community member,” he said.

Operations officer for Manchester Deputy Superintendent Collin Johnson told residents that the fatal shooting is being probed by INDECOM and appealed for their cooperation with the police.

Following the police’s reassurance, Owen Clarke said he felt reassured to have faith in the justice system.

Meanwhile, Johnson said he believes residents will need counselling.

“Many of you are not aware that the JCF [Jamaica Constabulary Force] has a Community, Safety and Security Branch. They are trained and they make the necessary referrals to counsellors to counsel you in this time of bereavement. What I think is needed now for the community is counselling… We would like to work as a team,” said Johnson.