A Transport Authority employee was caught on camera drawing what appeared to be a firearm at a motorist during a roadside operation. The footage, which began circulating last week, shows several employees and a police officer at an undisclosed location.
Among the group, one of the male employees wearing a vest marked “Transport Authority” is shown standing near a vehicle where the alleged disgruntled motorist is. A heated exchange is unfolding, during which the employee reaches toward his waist and pulls out an object while instructing a man at the scene to “Step back, sir.”
The situation escalates verbally, with the man responding, “So, shoot me then; shoot me then.” Meanwhile, the officer was inside the vehicle, which he reversed and parked. The short clip ends without showing what happened next, but its spread online sparked criticism toward the Transport Authority.
The Transport Authority addressed the situation, confirming the armed individual to be an employee. In the statement released on Monday, the agency said the employee involved had been removed from frontline duties with immediate effect. This action, the authority said, was taken as part of an internal investigation into the incident.
The agency also stressed that the behaviour seen in the video does not reflect how its staff are trained to operate. The employee’s conduct also breaches the agency’s Standard Operating Procedures and Public Interaction Policy, according to the statement.
The authority made it clear that the matter is being treated seriously with the involvement of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Firearm Licensing Authority.
As part of its response, the agency sought to reassure the public about its expectations for employee conduct. It reaffirmed its commitment to courtesy, professionalism, good customer service, and respect in all interactions with the public. According to the authority, all employees are expected to operate within these standards at all times, particularly during enforcement activities.
The Transport Authority also used the opportunity to remind the public of its broader responsibility to maintain a safe and reliable public transportation system across Jamaica. It noted that any deviation from established rules and protocols, especially those involving public safety or trust, will not be overlooked.
