Police Federation chairman Arleen McBean speaking at the funeral of the late Corporal Garfield Letford at the New Testament Church of God in Brown's Town, St Ann on Saturday, April 12, 2025. (Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)
April 13, 2025
WATCH: ‘Go get the facts!’ Police Federation boss chides JFJ over fatal shootings, planned protest
ST ANN, Jamaica – Chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, Sergeant Arleen McBean has called on Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) to partner with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in the fight against crime instead of, in her estimation, “battling” against the cops.
Speaking at the funeral for late detective Corporal Garfield Letford on Saturday, McBean noted the significant decline in murders – down 35.9 per cent between January 1 and April 5 this year, when compared to the same period in 2024 – before chiding the JFJ over the human rights group’s planned protest against police killings later this month.
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“I note there are advocacy groups out there who want to thwart what the Jamaica Constabulary Force has achieved. In 25 years, we have never seen a reduction [in homicides] at the end of February so low,” McBean said.
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“Don’t be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. Get on board,” she continued. “I would love at your peaceful demonstration coming up April 29th, you have placards to speak about the reduction in major crimes. I would love for you to have the placards telling men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, ‘Thank You’.
“I would love for you to have placards to speak to the family of police officers who have been gunned down by criminals. If you can’t do that, I classify you as a true terrorist,” the federation chairman said.
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JFJ says its planned demonstration “aims to spotlight the escalating crisis of police fatal shootings in Jamaica and demand accountability, justice, and systemic reform.” According to the human rights group, this year alone, 93 individuals have been killed by police, marking a staggering 165 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
However, McBean accused the JFJ of conveniently ignoring certain aspects of statistics from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) which she said put the police in a favourable light.
“You cannot be one-sided, it’s clear that there is no recognition for the stats from INDECOM. You know why? Over 80 per cent of all police shootings were justifiable,” McBean said. “JFJ or whatever J you are, let it be a joyous moment and go and get the facts and leave the members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to carry out their function.”
Video by Llewellyn Wynter
