Indecom notes spike in multiple-fatality shootings by security forces

KINGSTON, Jamaica —The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) says it is monitoring an increase in multiple-fatality shootings involving members of the security forces, with 67 people killed in 26 such incidents in 2026 to date.

According to Indecom, in a press release on Sunday, the latest incident was a triple-fatality shooting on September 13 on Knightsdale Drive, Kingston 20, which resulted in the deaths of two men and one woman.

“This is the third triple-fatality incident in 2026 in which a woman has been killed. Overall, four women have been fatally shot by members of the security forces since the start of this year,” Indecom said.

Of the 26 multiple-fatality incidents recorded this year, 13 were double-fatality incidents resulting in 26 deaths; 11 were triple-fatality incidents resulting in 33 deaths; and two were quadruple-fatality incidents resulting in eight deaths.

Indecom said the 67 deaths from multiple-fatality incidents in 2026 have already surpassed the 62 people who died in such incidents in 2025.

The commission also expressed concern that fatalities continue to occur at an elevated rate. According to Indecom, 17 people have been fatally shot in September alone. Overall, 215 people have been fatally shot by members of the security forces since the start of 2026, compared with 217 people during the corresponding period in 2025.

Indecom also highlighted the continued absence of body-worn cameras (BWCs) during operations, particularly in circumstances involving the use of unmarked police vehicles, the apprehension of persons of interest, or the apprehension of persons believed to be in possession of firearms, where the potential for confrontation and the use of force is heightened.

The commission thanked members of the public for their continued cooperation in providing access to CCTV footage and other recorded material, particularly in circumstances where BWC footage is unavailable. Such evidence is critical to the commission’s efforts to objectively establish the circumstances surrounding an incident and assess the actions of all persons involved.

The commission is encouraging anyone with information, CCTV footage, mobile phone recordings or other relevant evidence concerning an incident under investigation to contact Indecom at (876) 968-1932, (876) 968-8875, via WhatsApp at (876) 553-0000, or to visit the closest INDECOM regional office.

Indecom emphasised that the number of deaths, by itself, does not establish that lawful or unlawful conduct has occurred in any individual case. Each incident is independently investigated and assessed on its own evidence and against the applicable law. The commission continues to assess the circumstances of each incident, including the legality, necessity and proportionality of the force used.