At least 27 civilians have been shot and killed by Jamaican police since the start of the year, according to data from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

Figures published by the oversight body show that in 2025, there were 28 fatal encounters involving law enforcement during the same period, highlighting a sustained level of deadly force by State agents.

Among the fatal incidents recorded so far this year is a shooting in Granville, St James on January 1 that claimed the lives of 4-year-old Romaine Bowman and 16-year-old Kevaun Martinez. 

Another fatal shooting occurred in Bethel Town, Westmoreland, where 15-year-old Romaine Campbell was killed.

In a statement issued on January 6, INDECOM Deputy Commissioner Yanique Taylor-Wellington expressed concern over the sharp rise in fatal police shootings.

“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,” Taylor-Wellington said.

She noted that by the end of 2025, 311 people had been shot and killed by the police, representing a 65 per cent increase over 2024.

“That equates to an additional 122 citizens losing their lives by members of the security forces,” she added.

INDECOM said eight firearms were reportedly recovered by police in six fatal shooting incidents between January 1 and 5. 

However, the commission reported that no body-worn cameras were activated in any of the incidents investigated. One officer reportedly had a camera but did not activate it due to the absence of a clip.

The commission said all scenes were examined and evidential material recovered, processed and secured. 

The hands of the deceased were swabbed for gunshot residue, and bodies were photographed and sealed pending post-mortem examinations. 

Officers involved in the incidents were served with Section 21 Notices under the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010, which requires them to give statements or be interviewed by investigators. 

Despite the rise in fatal encounters, INDECOM says it continues to pursue accountability, noting that it has already secured two convictions for the year.

In one matter, Correctional Officer Romel Wilkie of the Department of Correctional Services was placed before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on January 13 in relation to the assault of a male inmate at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre on February 26, 2025.

Following an INDECOM investigation, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled that Wilkie should be charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. 

Medical evidence indicated that the inmate’s left eardrum was ruptured. 

Wilkie was given bail and the case is scheduled to begin on April 14, 2026.

In a separate case, Jamaica Constabulary Force Constable Onardo Walker was sentenced on January 7 to pay $350,000 or serve 30 days’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to breaching the INDECOM Act by failing to comply with a lawful request for a statement.

INDECOM said Walker ignored multiple requests after being served with a Section 21 Notice during an investigation into an alleged assault in Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew.

Since January 2024, a total of 56 law enforcement officers have been charged following INDECOM investigations, including 6 members of the Department of Correctional Services.

The commission continues to encourage public cooperation, urging citizens with relevant information to assist in its investigations.

At least 27 civilians have been shot and killed by Jamaican police since the start of the year, according to data from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

Figures published by the oversight body show that in 2025, there were 28 fatal encounters involving law enforcement during the same period, highlighting a sustained level of deadly force by State agents.

Among the fatal incidents recorded so far this year is a shooting in Granville, St James on January 1 that claimed the lives of 4-year-old Romaine Bowman and 16-year-old Kevaun Martinez. 

Another fatal shooting occurred in Bethel Town, Westmoreland, where 15-year-old Romaine Campbell was killed.

In a statement issued on January 6, INDECOM Deputy Commissioner Yanique Taylor-Wellington expressed concern over the sharp rise in fatal police shootings.

“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,” Taylor-Wellington said.

She noted that by the end of 2025, 311 people had been shot and killed by the police, representing a 65 per cent increase over 2024.

“That equates to an additional 122 citizens losing their lives by members of the security forces,” she added.

INDECOM said eight firearms were reportedly recovered by police in six fatal shooting incidents between January 1 and 5. 

However, the commission reported that no body-worn cameras were activated in any of the incidents investigated. One officer reportedly had a camera but did not activate it due to the absence of a clip.

The commission said all scenes were examined and evidential material recovered, processed and secured. 

The hands of the deceased were swabbed for gunshot residue, and bodies were photographed and sealed pending post-mortem examinations. 

Officers involved in the incidents were served with Section 21 Notices under the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010, which requires them to give statements or be interviewed by investigators. 

Despite the rise in fatal encounters, INDECOM says it continues to pursue accountability, noting that it has already secured two convictions for the year.

In one matter, Correctional Officer Romel Wilkie of the Department of Correctional Services was placed before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on January 13 in relation to the assault of a male inmate at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre on February 26, 2025.

Following an INDECOM investigation, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled that Wilkie should be charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. 

Medical evidence indicated that the inmate’s left eardrum was ruptured. 

Wilkie was given bail and the case is scheduled to begin on April 14, 2026.

In a separate case, Jamaica Constabulary Force Constable Onardo Walker was sentenced on January 7 to pay $350,000 or serve 30 days’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to breaching the INDECOM Act by failing to comply with a lawful request for a statement.

INDECOM said Walker ignored multiple requests after being served with a Section 21 Notice during an investigation into an alleged assault in Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew.

Since January 2024, a total of 56 law enforcement officers have been charged following INDECOM investigations, including 6 members of the Department of Correctional Services.

The commission continues to encourage public cooperation, urging citizens with relevant information to assist in its investigations.