‘Troubling’ start to 2026, 12 killed in first five days - INDECOM

The year 2026 has opened on a grim note, with the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) describing the first five days as "troubling" after 12 people were shot and killed by members of Jamaica's security forces.

The figure represents a 300 per cent increase over the similar period in 2025, when three persons were killed by the security forces.

Deputy Commissioner Yanique Taylor-Wellington has expressed concern about the pattern but stressed that the state oversight body will conduct objective investigations.

"INDECOM notes with concern, the alarming increase in fatal police shootings recorded in Jamaica during 2025, and the troubling manner in which 2026 has commenced as it relates to deaths by state agents," she said in a statement issued on Tuesday. "INDECOM will pursue all investigations thoroughly, objectively and neutrally, and take all appropriate steps if breaches of the law are identified."

At the end of 2025, some 311 persons were shot and killed by the police, representing a 65 per cent increase over the previous year. "That equates to an additional 122 citizens losing their lives by members of the security forces," Taylor-Wellington said.

On Monday, the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship expressed grave concern over multiple fatal shootings by security forces at the start of the year, warning that rising deaths undermine public trust and respect for human life.

The group acknowledged a 41 per cent reduction in murders in 2025 but said "this achievement is severely undermined by the significant increase in fatal encounters involving the security forces".

Meanwhile, speaking at a devotion with officers on Monday, Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake warned against complacency and urged members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to convert momentum into maturity grounded in discipline, unity and integrity.

"Strengthening Jamaica means policing with integrity, fairness, and courage. It means standing firm against criminality while remaining anchored in justice and respect for human rights and dignity," Blake said.

INDECOM says its teams responded to two incidents on January 5 - a triple fatal shooting in St Toolies, Manchester, and a single fatal shooting in Clarendon -- resulting in four deaths.

Earlier, on January 1, investigations began into four incidents across St James, Westmoreland, and Kingston that left eight people dead, including three children.

Eight firearms were reportedly recovered across the six incidents so far this year, but no body-worn cameras were reported as activated by officers.

According to INDECOM, one officer said he had a camera but lacked a clip to wear it.

INDECOM said all crime scenes were examined, evidence processed, and the deceased individuals' hands swabbed for gunshot residue, pending post-mortem examinations.

Officers involved were served with Section 21 Notices to submit statements or attend interviews.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-250