PNP Urges Body Cameras After Latoya Bulgin Police Shooting In St James

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party has said the fatal shooting of Latoya Bulgin by a Jamaica Constabulary Force member is cause for serious alarm among Jamaicans locally and overseas.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Opposition said the incident, which occurred in Granville, St James, on Sunday, has brought renewed attention to how members of the security forces use deadly force.

“The unfortunate demise of Ms Bulgin, a citizen of Jamaica, must stir us to action and immediately implement the use of body-worn cameras by members of the security forces,” the PNP said.

The party also criticised the way Bulgin’s body was dealt with after the shooting, saying it was “disturbing” that she was placed in the rear of a police jeep while residents were present.

“This conduct falls below the respect that should be afforded to our citizens by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. We therefore call upon the High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to ensure that the established protocols and procedures governing these sensitive situations are consistently adhered to and properly enforced by members of the force,” the PNP said.

The Opposition is urging people in the community who saw what happened to assist the Independent Commission of Investigations, Indecom, by giving statements.

The JCF member connected to the incident has since been interdicted by the Police High Command.