A policeman is to face disciplinary actions after a video showing him aggressively dismantling musical equipment at a street dance in St Andrew went viral, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
The uniformed officer was filmed taking drastic action in 33 Lane off Waltham Park Road last Sunday. While the circumstances surrounding his actions are unclear, social media users accuse him of reportedly demanding the end of the event and destroying the equipment when it did not immediately end.
In the video, the officer, believed to be a corporal, walked up to the sound system stand and violently kicked over the equipment. Afterwards, he then threw another piece on the ground. The video quickly spread across social media, with many viewers expressing anger over what they described as a blatant abuse of power.
Social media users condemned his actions. Others pointed out the hypocrisy of expecting community cooperation while treating citizens with aggression.
The police have acknowledged the incident and confirmed that steps have been taken regarding the officer’s behaviour, though the specifics have not yet been released. A source told the Jamaica Gleaner that more details will be provided soon.
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has also taken note of the video. While no official complaint has been filed, the agency is urging the person who filmed the video and anyone else directly affected to contact their office in New Kingston.
Political figures have also weighed in, with Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, Opposition Spokesperson on Culture and Creative Industries, describing the footage as troubling. She stressed that while laws around event times and sound levels should be respected, enforcement must not cross the line into destruction or intimidation.
While stressing the importance of lawful conduct from both parties, Hickling Gordon emphasised that enforcement must never come across as “excessive, vindictive, or a disrespectful abuse of power.” Hickling Gordon called for a clear investigation from the Police High Command, urging Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake to outline proper guidelines for handling entertainment events.
