A Westmoreland father is calling for a full investigation after a disturbing video shows his son being physically assaulted while in police custody. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Friday at the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station, has sparked public concern after the footage began circulating widely on social media. The young man at the centre of the controversy has been identified as 23-year-old Jamar Darling.
According to his father, Jerome Darling, the situation began with what was described as a routine traffic stop. He said his son was taken into custody and later charged with disorderly conduct. However, the father insists that his son had done nothing to warrant such a charge and was simply exercising his right to privacy when officers allegedly requested access to his phone.
“Mi son seh to mi seh, a disorderly conduct unuh charge mi fah and mi nuh do nothing more than unuh stop mi and wah search mi phone, and mi tell dem seh mi nah mek unuh go inna mi phone cause mi have personal stuff inna mi phone,” The father recounted to TVJ News.
Jerome Darling explained that he went to the station in hopes that his son would be granted station bail. Instead, he claims the situation escalated inside the facility. He alleges that as Jamar spoke about bail, officers moved to return him to the cell, during which a confrontation developed.
The father further claims that one officer restrained his son by the throat, causing the altercation. He said others became involved moments later, and the situation intensified after a policeman in a white shirt turned off the lights inside the station. At that point, his son was reportedly beaten by multiple officers.
According to the account given, Jamar was then dragged from the area, with additional officers allegedly joining in. The father maintains that the force used was excessive and unnecessary, particularly given that his son was already in custody.
The video circulating online appears to support parts of his claims, showing officers tussling with a handcuffed man, who was later dragged by his legs.
Jerome Darling said the incident has left his son with several injuries, including to his hands and feet, and caused swelling to his face. The alleged beating has also left him feeling pain in his back and neck. Darling described the experience as deeply traumatic, adding that it was difficult to witness his child in such a condition.
While acknowledging that his son has had previous encounters with the police, the father stressed that nothing justifies what he believes occurred in this instance. He has since reported the matter to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and is urging senior authorities, including the Police Commissioner and Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to intervene.
Up to now, there has been no official statement from the police regarding the incident.
