A Trelawny resident is seeking justice after claiming police officers violently assaulted him in an incident captured on camera. The complainant, 28-year-old Nickholos Chambers, says he was kicked and struck repeatedly by three officers on March 13 in the Rio Bueno community.
His attorney, Donnovan Collins, has confirmed that the assault left Chambers shaken, though he was ultimately released without any criminal charges being filed.
Footage of the incident, recorded on the cell phone of a bystander, runs just under two minutes. It depicts the confrontation near a parked vehicle with several onlookers gathered around. Chambers is struck repeatedly by the three lawmen, two of whom are in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s denim uniforms.
He struggles as two officers are seen wrestling him to the ground, where they and the third continue to kick and punch him. At certain points, one officer appears to strike him with a baton. A few onlookers eventually move closer to the officers, seemingly trying to urge them to stop.
The video has been widely circulated on social media, but the cause of the altercation remains unclear.
According to Collins, his client was detained by the officers, who transported him away from the scene in a police service vehicle. However, they later released Chambers without laying any criminal charges against him. Speaking to reporters from the Jamaica Gleaner, Collins condemned the actions of the officers, stating, “It is unfortunate that some JCF officers continue to abuse our citizens.”
The attorney is calling for immediate intervention from senior officials, including National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang and Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, emphasising the need for accountability and reform to prevent similar incidents.
“It is clear that something must be done to prevent this kind of abuse of Jamaican citizens,” he continued.
Chambers plans to submit formal complaints to both the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the police’s Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau. Collins also confirmed that his firm intends to pursue civil litigation on behalf of Chambers.
