Lewis has been ordered interdicted, pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter. The action was deemed necessary as a result of questionable behaviour on the part of the policeman while on duty at the scene of a fatal shooting. Commissioner Ellington also sought to remind all members of the police force, of the need to conduct themselves with the highest level of integrity and professionalism, so that the Jamaica Constabulary Force can continue to enjoy much-needed support from the Jamaican public that it serves.

According to reports, the cameraman was attempting to film the scene where 31 year old shopkeeper, Donovan ‘Zabo’ Pottinger had been killed. He was filming the scene from beyond a police cordon, but was told to turn off the camera. The correspondent, who did not comply, received an injury to his hand, as well as a damage to his camera, as the policeman attempted to seize it. He was also detained and later released.

The PAJ has described the policeman’s behaviour as “atrocious”. Byron Buckley, president of the PAJ, in a press statement on Sunday said “We are astounded that a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force could so blatantly attack a journalist while carrying out his legitimate duties … The PAJ is acutely disappointed that the police continue to harass journalists in this manner, despite the Police High Command agreeing with the association more than a year ago to promulgate rules of engagement.”

The PAJ has called on Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington to investigate the attack on the journalist on Saturday, and to take appropriate disciplinary action.

President of the Media Association Jamaica (MAJ), Gary Allen, also criticised the policeman’s action, and said that the MAJ was in support of ridding all behaviour that impinged on journalists’ rights to carry out their lawful duties.

Below is a Las May cartoon about the matter. It appeared in today’s Jamaica Gleaner newspaper.

A second policeman (Detective Constable Derron Nish), who was named as a major person of interest by the police after the incident, was also arrested earlier today at an apartment complex in the Corporate Area, and is now being questioned by detectives from the Organised Crime Investigation Division.

On Friday (June 18), the policeman was offered bail in the sum of J$250,000 when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court. He was granted bail on condition that he surrender his travel documents. A stop order has also been placed on him at all ports of exits. He is to return to court for trial on September 9.

The Office of the Public Defender is an independent commission of Jamaica’s Parliament, that’s mandated to investigated governmental maladministration and to protect and enforce constitutional rights, and in particular, the fundamental rights and freedoms of Jamaicans, including the right to life, and protection against arbitrary arrest, except during periods of public emergency.

According to the police, the cruise ship had stopped in Jamaica after a previous stop in Bermuda (where Crooks was believed to be in hiding), and Crooks was discovered after the passenger manifest of the cruise ship was checked shortly after it had arrived in Jamaica. Crooks reportedly tried to escape by jumping into the sea, but he was held by the marine police. At this time, has not yet been officially charged, and thus, no court date has been set for him to face the sexual assault allegations.

Harold Crooks history timeline

According to a release from the police, the director of public prosecutions (DPP) ruled that Burrell be charged with ‘administering a noxious thing with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy contrary to section 26b of the Offences against the Persons Act’, as well as ‘14 counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm’.

The DPP also ruled that the three other police personnel – a woman corporal and two constables – who were also present at Armadale during the incident, be subjected to internal Jamaica Constabulary Force disciplinary procedures.

Constable Burrell, along with other police officers from the Alexandria Police Station, had responded to a call to quell rowdy behaviour by the girls. Burrell allegedly threw a tear gas canister into the dorm, igniting the fire that resulted in the deaths of Georgina Saunders, Ann-Marie Samuels, Nerrissa King, and Rachael King, all 16 years old; and Kaychell Nelson and Shauna-Lee Kerr, both 15; and 17 year old Stephanie Smith.

Justice Paul Harrison, who conducted a commission of enquiry into the tragedy, was particularly harsh on Burrell in his report, and pointed directly at the tear gas canister as the reason for the fire.

According to reports, the policeman offered to take the woman (who is a civilian employee at the Constant Spring Police Station) home after the wake. During the journey, he reportedly began making sexual advances at her, and a scuffle reportedly occurred – during which the woman’s clothes were torn.

It is expected that the Director of Public Prosecutions will be called on to make a ruling on the matter soon.

The police have reportedly not ruled out the possibility of asking Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) to assist in locating him, and of eventually having him extradited to Jamaica to answer to charges. Deputy Superintendent Herfa Beckford, head of the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), reportedly said “… we are very optimistic. We are going to make every effort to get him… even if it means extradition.”

In addition to being a former ISCF Commandant, Crooks is a former security adviser to the Jamaican Government, and has also worked with the United Nations and the Government of Belize. He spent 22 years as a member of the Island Special Constabulary Force, an auxiliary of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.