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.