Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is organizing a protest later this month to raise awareness about the alarming increase in police killings across Jamaica. The End Police Violence Protest will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Half Way Tree Transport Centre in St Andrew.
According to JFJ, the event aims to highlight the growing crisis of fatal police shootings in Jamaica and demand accountability, justice, and systemic reform. The organization pointed out that, this year alone, 93 individuals have been killed by police, a staggering 165 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
JFJ’s Executive Director, Mickel Jackson, has warned that if the current trend continues, Jamaica may surpass its highest recorded number of police killings, which stood at 258 deaths in 2013—numbers not seen since the creation of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
The protest is expected to bring together victims and their families, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens who will amplify their voices and call for change. Participants will engage in a peaceful rally, holding placards and chanting slogans such as “End Police Violence,” “Where are the body-worn cameras?” and “Accountability Now.” The event will also feature victim testimonials and speeches from civil society leaders, according to JFJ.
The human rights lobby group is urging the public, community organizations, and media outlets to support the movement and address systemic issues within law enforcement. “We want to create a Jamaica where human rights and dignity are upheld for all,” JFJ said in its release.
Police chief’s response to police killings
In February, Jamaica’s Police Commissioner, Dr. Kevin Blake, responded firmly to criticism from JFJ regarding the rising number of fatal police shootings. Blake declared that law enforcement will not back down from confronting violent criminals. He emphasized that police officers do not seek violent encounters but will defend themselves and the public when necessary. He also noted that many individuals detained by police had made the “smarter choice” by surrendering rather than engaging in violent confrontations.
Blake issued a direct warning to criminal elements, urging them not to engage with police officers using deadly force. “When the police come for you, do not raise your weapons against us. Lay down your weapons and have your day in court!” he said. He made it clear, however, that officers would not hesitate to confront those who challenge them with lethal force.
“Should you choose the foolish option of challenging us with lethal force, know this: I do not train my police to lose. We have the superior training and firepower to ensure that we win every time,” Blake declared.
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