Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake is urging Jamaicans to help reduce violent confrontations, while reaffirming the Jamaica Constabulary Force&rsquo;s focus on de-escalation.&nbsp;
In release, he raised concern about recent fatal incidents, emphasizing that the police&rsquo;s primary goal in any encounter is to lower tensions and avoid escalation. 
Read the release:&nbsp; 
May 04, 2026 - Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake is calling on Jamaicans to play their part in
reducing violent confrontations, as he reiterated the Jamaica Constabulary Force&rsquo;s commitment to
de-escalation in its engagements with the public.
In his latest weekly column, the Commissioner expressed concern about recent incidents that have
resulted in the loss of life. &ldquo;Unfortunately, we continue to see a number of violent confrontations
where some have resulted in lives being lost,&rdquo; he said.
Dr Blake stressed that the primary objective of the police in such situations is always to reduce
tension and avoid escalation. &ldquo;Our main objective in any confrontation involving ourselves and
the public is to de-escalate,&rdquo; he noted.
At the same time, he issued a broader appeal to citizens, urging collective responsibility in
preventing violent outcomes. &ldquo;I am taking the opportunity to appeal to all well thinking Jamaicans
to join us in imploring those violent and hardened criminals who we pursue daily, not to meet us
with deadly force,&rdquo; he said.
-more-May.04l.26
-2-
The Commissioner made it clear that fatal outcomes are not the goal of police operations. &ldquo;Fatal
shootings do not benefit anyone. It is never a desired end state,&rdquo; he added.
He also underscored the importance of discipline within the Force, noting that officers are expected
to act within established guidelines at all times. &ldquo;In addition to our obligation under the use of
force policy, I expect every single member to exercise discipline of self,&rdquo; Dr Blake said.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force continues to emphasise de-escalation, professionalism and
adherence to the rule of law as key components of its strategy to reduce violent crime and protect lives.

Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake is urging Jamaicans to help reduce violent confrontations, while reaffirming the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s …

Commissioner: De-Escalate Conflicts Amid Violent Encounters