JCF in mourning as another cop killed

The murder of Constable Kirkland Plummer, who was shot and killed last Saturday night, has again left members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) disheartened.

Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson chastised the killers and commended Plummer's bravery.

"Constable Plummer was a dedicated member of the Constabulary who fell victim to an abhorrent type of behaviour that has become all too familiar in our society today," he said. "While other members of society can legitimately be 'off duty', we as policemen and women are bound by the law and our sacred oath to rise to the service of our communities when the need demands. Constable Plummer did so, but was killed by some of the very persons he was seeking to protect."

Shot twice

According to police reports, at approximately 10 p.m. Plummer, who was attached to the Spaldings Police Station in Clarendon, was shot while at a party in Cobbla district, Manchester. Plummer was said to have disarmed a man who was firing gun salutes. But he was stoned with broken concrete blocks and shot twice.

Five persons, including the owner of the venue, have been arrested for breaching the Disaster Risk Management Act. An investigation into Plummer's killing is also ongoing.

Plummer is the latest police officer to have been killed in the line of duty in 2020. On September 26, 27-year-old Constable Kemar Francis was shot dead after a police team he was part of responded to reports of gunfire on Pretoria Road in St Andrew.

On June 12, an attack on lawmen in Spanish Town, St Catherine, claimed the lives of Corporal Dane Biggs and Constable Decardo Hylton. Superintendent Leon Clunis, who was shot and injured in the incident, died weeks later as he was being discharged from hospital.

Anderson extended his sincere condolences to Plummer's family and his colleagues. However, he urged law enforcers to remain steadfast in carrying out their duties.

"To JCF members across the country, continue to be focused and resolute in the execution of your lawful duties. Show respect for all while you enforce the rule of law," he said.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang said the attack on Plummer was "barbaric and cannot be condoned in any way, shape or form".

"I urge citizens to cooperate with the police and desist from acts of indiscipline, violence and general illegality. Your cooperation as a crucial stakeholder is important in reducing the significant levels of crime and violence in this country," Chang said.