Police shooting with impunity: The Latoya Bulgin situation is a national trend- WCLA

The Watchman Church Leaders Alliance (WCLA) expresses its profound grief, righteous indignation, and deep concern regarding the fatal shooting of a woman, Latoya Bulgin, in Granville, St. James, by a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), witnessed by citizens with recording devices. 

It is hard not to see impunity at work, and this is frightening. We note the interim Administrative action taken by the JCF and ask for clearer and better particulars on what it means.

As an alliance called to stand as a moral compass and action-oriented advocate, we cannot remain silent while the sanctity of human life is violated. This tragedy occurs against a deeply disturbing national trend.

Recent INDECOM data reveals a significant surge in security force fatal shootings, with well over 113 persons killed in just the first four months of 2026—surpassing the already elevated numbers from the same period last year.

Furthermore, this incident revives severe concern over the chronic non-use and inadequate deployment of body-worn cameras (BWCs) during police engagements. This lack of objective video evidence directly erodes the fragile trust between communities and law enforcement. 

A society cannot achieve genuine peace when citizens feel that those sworn to protect them operate away from public transparency.

This loss of life is a painful symptom of a worsening trajectory in the use of lethal force. True governance demands more than standard procedural reactions; it requires a commitment to truth and dignity. We cannot speak of building strong families, mentoring youth, or transforming communities when state violence continues to claim lives under a shroud of missing or unactivated body cameras. An implementation timeline needs to be fast-tracked.

As watchmen over our nation’s moral and social well-being, the Alliance welcomes Indecom’s investigation and urges a speedy conclusion. We also urgently call for:

• The Cabinet to address this national concern under its principle of collective responsibility. This has gone on too long without policy accountability and directives.
• A Comprehensive Moral and Tactical Review of rules of engagement and community policing protocols to ensure law enforcement strategies align with the protection of life and rights.

The Watchman Church Leaders Alliance extends its deepest pastoral prayers and condolences to the family of the deceased and the traumatised residents of Granville. We stand ready to support community healing while resolutely advocating for institutional governance, national righteousness, and systemic accountability.