Jamaicans for Justice Wants Probe Into 'Disturbing' Video of Police Officer Kneeling on Chest of Primary School Student
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The human rights group, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), Monday described as “disturbing and distressing” a video on social media showing a police officer kneeling on the chest of an 11-year-old male primary school student.
Screen shot of video showing police officer kneeling on the chest of 11-year-old studentIn a statement, the JFJ called on the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Commissioner of Police, retired major general, Antony Anderson, to provide a thorough account of the encounter.
The incident is reported to have taken place after the child’s father was involved in an altercation with the police during a traffic stop.
The JFJ said the incident allegedly unfolded as the child, visibly shaken by his father’s high-stress encounter with law enforcement, reacted emotionally.
Media reports said that the student was “allegedly pepper sprayed, thrown to the ground, knelt on by an officer, and refused water to alleviate some of the pain endured due to the encounter”.
“It is unclear why such an excessive response would be needed for a child not yet at the age of criminal responsibility, unarmed and alone against five trained police officers,” the JFJ said in a statement.
In condemning what it termed this “egregious violation of the child’s rights” the human rights group said there was need for an urgent transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The JFJ called on the JCF to take swift and decisive action against the officers involved, ensuring they are held accountable for their actions, saying it “emphasises the importance of proportionate responses by law enforcement based on the specific circumstances of each situation.
“This proportionality becomes even more important when handling children where there must be discernment of threat of harm and public safety versus a child who reportedly acted out of emotions.”
JFJ called for a renewed focus on training that prioritises de-escalation techniques and emphasises the protection of the rights and well-being of all citizens, particularly minors and other vulnerable groups.
It is also urging members of the public to come forward with any additional information that may aid in the investigation.
“The JCF cannot continue to be silent when such incidents make it into the public space. Silence signals lack of accountability and perpetuate police impunity,” it added.
