News
JAM | Dec 13, 2025

Two JCF servicemen charged for assault in 2023 incident

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 1 minute
Peaked caps are in focus as the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) welcomed 293 new constables during the August 2018 passing out parade held at the National Police College of Jamaica, Twickenham Park, St Catherine. (Photo: X.com @jamaicaconstab)

Anthony Henry/Contributor

Two Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) servicemen were each offered bail in the amount of J$200,000 when they appeared in the St Mary Parish Court on Thursday (December 11), for allegedly assaulting a man in 2023.

Corporal Garth Brown and Constable Shaquille Murphy were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The incident occurred on September 1, 2023, at the Highgate Police Station in St. Mary.

The allegation is that the complainant was hit in the face by the officers while handcuffed at the police station. He was subsequently granted bail and sought medical attention.

Following an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) ruled that Corporal Brown and Constable Murphy should be charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 

During the investigation, the officers denied assaulting the man, medical evidence and an eyewitness corroborated the complainant’s account. 

Since January 2024, 54 law enforcement personnel have been charged in relation to incidents investigated by INDECOM; 28 officers in 2024 and a further 26 officers in 2025.

Corporal Garth Brown had previously been charged on September 17 for wounding with intent. Brown was not counted twice in relation to the total servicemen charged.

Comments

What To Read Next

News JAM Mar 4, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesMinister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport Daryl Vaz says Petrojam is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and assessing their potential impact on fuel prices in Jamaica.

Vaz noted that international oil prices have increased in recent weeks due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly involving the United States-Israel and Iran conflict. He, however, cautioned that movements in crude oil prices do not automatically result in proportional increases at the local pumps.

News JAM Mar 4, 2026

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson-Smith, has outlined that the Government of Jamaica continues to monitor with concern the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East, which has further deteriorated in recent days.

Johnson Smith said the government hopes for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges calm and restraint for the protection of civilian life.

News CARIB Mar 4, 2026

Reading Time: 3 minutesCaribbean economies recorded slower growth in 2025 amid intensifying global uncertainty, climate shocks, and fiscal pressures, according to Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) findings shared Tuesday at the bank’s Annual News Conference.

Presenting a review of the bank’s 2025 performance and the economic outlook for 2026, Jason Cotton, acting deputy director of economics, noted that growth across the region decelerated last year as external conditions became less supportive and downside risks materialised.