The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has issued a strong warning that it will maintain a heightened, zero-tolerance approach to irresponsible firearm use and the illegal use of fireworks throughout the holiday season.
Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on December 8, Assistant Commissioner of Police assigned to the Strategic Operations Portfolio and the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, Dr Gary McKenzie, said the police have intensified their focus on curbing gun salutes and unlawful fireworks activities.
“We commonly call it gun salute at Christmas time. When it comes on to New Year’s, people have a way, especially both persons with licensed firearms, as well as persons with illegal weapons, they tend to do that. We have stepped up our vigilance,” ACP McKenzie said.
He noted that while there was some improvement last year, the police will remain firmly on alert this season.
“In fact, we are happy to say that last year, there was some improvement based on all the reports that we got. But this year will be no different in terms of our vigilance around the issue,” he added.
ACP McKenzie stressed that the use of firearms must always be responsible and warned that gun salutes pose serious and sometimes fatal risks.
“It is very important that persons realise and recognise that the use of firearms must be responsible, so gun salute is a no-no. So once that happens, we expect people to report it,” he said.
He pointed to past incidents to illustrate the dangers involved.
“We have had instances where people are making gun salutes and persons have been shot, as the clock struck 12… took out a firearm, fired it, a tree was over his head, and a man fell from the tree. These kinds of things do happen, and we have to guard against it,” ACP McKenzie stressed.
The senior officer also issued a firm warning against the sale, purchase and use of firecrackers, noting that they are illegal.
“Also, firecrackers are illegal, persons should not be selling them. Persons should not be buying them, and persons should not be using them. Where any of these things are seen by the police, they will act on it and persons will be prosecuted and taken to court,” he warned.
ACP McKenzie outlined the procedure for legally obtaining permission to use fireworks, explaining that approval ultimately rests with the Minister of National Security.
“In terms of permit, the finality of it rests with the Minister of National Security, but that is applied through the Commissioner of Police. When that is done, there is an investigation as to why, how, where it will be used and whether or not it is necessary. If all things are satisfied, it may be approved,” he said.
He also highlighted the negative impact loud explosions can have on vulnerable members of the public.
“We need to recognise that when we do this in communities, whilst we are trying to satisfy ourselves in terms of pleasure, there are young babies within the communities, there are elderly persons, persons who are ill, and some of the firecrackers, when they burst, it actually sounds like gunshot and it causes persons to feel fearful,” ACP McKenzie said.
The JCF has urged members of the public to act responsibly during the festive season and to promptly report any incidents involving gun salutes or the illegal use of fireworks to the police.
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