Commissioner of Police George Quallo is once again appealing to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to exercise vigilance as they carry out their duties.
The Commissioner made the appeal while on a visit to Mandeville this morning (Oct 28), to reassure the members that they have the High Command’s support, as they grapple with another colleague being killed.
38 year old Corporal Melvin Smith was fatally shot by an armed robber in Mandeville yesterday (Oct 27).
Members of the JCF Chaplaincy Unit, along with counsellors from the Northern Caribbean University, also visited the Mandeville station to support the grieving officers.
The Commissioner says police of all ranks must always remember that that they are operating in very challenging times, and that every situation must be assessed so that the best approach is used in every situation.
The Manchester police continue to appeal for persons with information about the killing of a Corporal, who foiled a robbery yesterday, to come forward.
Dead is 38-year-old Melvin Smith, who was assigned to the Manchester Community Safety and Security Branch.
Condemnation of the officer’s killing has come from the National Security Minister, the Police Commissioner, the Police Federation and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom).
Reports are that about 8 p.m. yesterday, Corporal Smith was on duty in the Mandeville town centre, when he tried to apprehend a suspect in a motorcycle theft.
Corporal Smith was shot several times, and died while being treated at hospital.
The robbery victim was wounded in the incident and has been admitted to hospital in stable condition.
The police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist in their investigations, to contact the Mandeville Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) at 962-2832, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.
In expressing deep regret at the killing of Corporal Smith, National Security Minister Robert Montague, described the cop as an exemplary member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
He says the JCF has lost a very valuable member, because, as part of the community safety and security branch, smith played an integral role in police youth clubs in Manchester.
And, Commissioner George Quallo says it is unfortunate that while performing his duty to serve, protect and reassure, Corporal Smith was met with such cruelty and callousness.
The Commissioner says no effort will be spared in bringing smith killer/s to justice.
He is encouraging all members of the JCF to remain vigilant, and to not be daunted.
In the meantime, the Police Federation says its members are deeply saddened by the death of corporal smith.
The Federation describes the late corporal as a well-disciplined, jovial, energetic and community-oriented policeman, who gave selfless service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force for over nineteen years.
The Federation notes that it was only yesterday, that Smith visited members in Area 3, who are hospitalized.
It says Corporal Smith was a tower of strength to the members of the JCF and the various communities he served.
And, Indecom has expressed condolences to the Manchester police division as well as the family and friends of Corporal Smith.
In condemning the attack, Indeciom says it is continuing its call for the unconditional cooperation of all citizens in the fight against criminal elements in the society.