Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has called for a national shift in crime discourse away from violent offenders and toward the innocent victims whose lives are lost to criminal violence, warning that public debate too often centres on perpetrators while victims are forgotten.

In a strongly worded message to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), published in this week’s Force Orders, Dr Blake said the human cost of violent crime is frequently overshadowed by narratives that seek to explain or excuse the actions of offenders.

He cited a recent double murder in St James as an example, recounting how a 51-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman were attacked and killed while travelling home in their vehicle.

“On Monday of this week, a 51-year-old male and a 61-year-old female were on their way home in their car in St James when they were attacked and murdered just because the hoodlums wanted their vehicle,” the commissioner said.

According to Dr Blake, there was no indication that the victims had provoked the attack. He said they were individuals with families, loved ones and future plans whose lives were abruptly ended.

“They had families, friends, loved ones, plans, resolutions, graduations to proudly attend, a future to help to build for those who depended on them, and a lot more of life to enjoy,” he said.

The commissioner criticised what he described as attempts by some commentators to portray violent offenders as misunderstood or harmless, including characterisations of heavily armed criminals as “young men who have lost their way”.

“These are the type of people that you are up against daily,” he told officers. “These are the ones that these detractors want the society to believe would never turn their weapons against you.”

Dr Blake also addressed public commentary surrounding fatal police shootings, including a triple fatal incident on the Mandela Highway last year. He questioned claims of unlawful conduct by officers, pointing to the visibility and high-risk nature of such environments.

“The illogic of believing that we are so dumb to think that a busy highway as the Mandela, and a time as hectic as midday, are ideal conditions for unlawful killings is baffling,” he said.

He added that allegations of widespread unlawful killings were particularly troubling given the role of independent oversight bodies, which have full access to investigate police actions.

Dr Blake urged civil society groups, advocacy organisations and commentators to focus their efforts on discouraging armed criminals from confronting police officers.

“Our time would be better spent if these persons, groups and organisations join our voices in appealing to the murderous thugs to not raise their weapons against the police when we have to confront them,” he said.

As an example, the commissioner pointed to the recent arrest of high-risk suspect Courtney ‘Bloodstain’ Ashley, who was taken into custody without loss of life.

“Yet he was safely apprehended and in custody, even while trying to escape,” Dr Blake said, noting that the suspect will now face the court.

He added that hundreds of individuals are arrested each year for firearm-related offences without lethal force being used.

“They presented no deadly challenge, hence we had no reason to meet them with deadly response,” he said.

The commissioner ended his message by reassuring frontline officers of his support, urging them to remain professional amid public criticism.

“You are not alone, you are not unappreciated, and you are not unsupported,” Dr Blake said. “Remain calm in the noise and confident that your leadership will always stand with you once you act within the law and in the interest of protecting life and society.”

He added that officers would ultimately be judged “not by the loudest voices, but by your integrity, your restraint, and your results”.