The silence is deafening.

A woman is dead. Latoya’s life ended during an encounter involving an armed state officer, yet many of the organisations that loudly proclaim themselves defenders of women’s rights have little to say. Ordinary Jamaicans continue to raise concerns about police brutality, excessive force, and the aggressive behaviour now being displayed by some members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, often captured on video and circulated publicly, yet meaningful national outrage from influential voices remains limited.

Across communities, there is a growing fear that some younger members of the force are entering policing without the emotional discipline, restraint, conflict-resolution skills, and respect for human dignity that the profession demands. Policing is not only about carrying a firearm and enforcing the law; it is about self-control, sound judgment, and understanding the immense power entrusted to an officer by the state.

Too many citizens, especially those from struggling and vulnerable communities, feel they are treated not as people deserving protection, but as threats to be subdued. The perception developing among the poor is dangerous: that justice, patience, and compassion are unevenly distributed depending on class and social standing. When citizens begin to believe that their lives matter less because they are not wealthy or connected, trust in law enforcement and national institutions begins to collapse.

Another troubling pattern has emerged whenever citizens speak out after incidents involving alleged police abuse or excessive force. Voices calling for justice, fairness, accountability, and proper investigations are too often met with accusations of “supporting criminals.” That narrative has increasingly become a tool used to intimidate and silence citizens who dare to question the conduct of state agents. Demanding accountability from those entrusted with power does not make someone anti-police or pro-criminal. A society that cannot question authority without being vilified is a society moving dangerously away from democracy and justice.

This is not an attack on every police officer. Many members of the force serve honourably and risk their lives daily to protect citizens. However, professionalism within law enforcement cannot be defended by ignoring misconduct when it occurs. Accountability is not anti-police; accountability is what protects the integrity of policing itself.

Jamaica cannot afford a culture where brutality becomes normalised and accountability becomes selective. Every credible allegation of abuse, excessive force, or misconduct must be independently investigated, and officers must receive stronger training in de-escalation, human rights, emotional intelligence, and engagement with the public. A badge and a state-issued firearm should never become symbols of fear among the very citizens officers are sworn to protect.

Equally troubling is the silence from some civil society groups and influential advocates. Advocacy cannot be conditional. The defence of women’s lives and human rights must remain consistent regardless of geography, politics, or social class. Silence in moments like these only deepens public distrust and reinforces the belief that some Jamaicans are invisible until tragedy becomes impossible to ignore.

The public is not demanding perfection from the police. What citizens are demanding is fairness, restraint, transparency, and equal value for every human life. A modern police force should inspire confidence, not fear. Respect for law enforcement is strengthened not through intimidation, but through professionalism, discipline, accountability, and justice.

If Jamaica truly wishes to build safer communities, then the nation must also confront the growing fear, frustration, and anger many citizens now feel toward those entrusted with state power. Ignoring these concerns will not make them disappear. It will only widen the divide between the people and the institutions meant to serve them.

Denton Smith can be contacted at:  [email protected]