INDECOM probes alleged pepper-spray attack on Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is examining an alleged pepper-spray incident involving the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, the Member of Parliament for West Kingston.

McKenzie was said to have been left in clear distress after a policeman allegedly discharged pepper spray at him. Residents nearby moved to help, using milk to ease the burning in his eyes.

TVJ News understands the West Kingston MP visited the Darling Street Police Station on Tuesday morning. Officers there have been looking into the shooting of a man in Tivoli Gardens on Sunday night.

Speaking later at a community centre in his constituency, McKenzie said he had gone into the area after hearing a man had been shot and left bleeding in the street in Ebenezer. On the way, he telephoned the superintendent in charge and was assured the man was alive. When he arrived, he found residents angry that the wounded man was still lying there bleeding. After he spoke with officers, efforts were made to move the injured man.

McKenzie stressed that he does not shield criminals. "This is one member of parliament who don't protect bad man," he said.

Asked about the police response, he said the conduct of some officers was open to question and that residents were deeply upset. He had been working with two councillors and other community leaders to keep order, he added.

Matters worsened that morning, he said, near Darling Street and Ebenezer Road, when a young woman — after an exchange with an officer — ran after him. The policeman produced pepper spray, and when McKenzie asked, "Officer, what is the problem?" he was sprayed three times.

McKenzie said ties between the West Kingston communities and the police remain important and must not be damaged. He did not contest the police claim that a gun had been recovered after the shooting, stating that justice should take its course. "We don't want a spoiled relationship in the police force. We have lived through that and we have gotten over that," he said.

Residents condemned the spraying. One said an MP speaking to an officer ought to be heard. Another resident said they did not know the policeman involved but had his picture, describing a quarrel with a young woman that drew in a councillor before the spray was used three times. Residents used milk on McKenzie's face and insisted they did not attack the station, block roads, or otherwise disrupt the area, saying they value the current relationship with the police and do not want it spoiled.

INDECOM is investigating. The episode has also revived debate over whether police officers should wear body-worn cameras — an issue that has been discussed for some time.