A routine assignment in New Kingston took a dangerous turn on Friday when a female police corporal accidentally discharged her service weapon, injuring herself in the process.
The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. in a parking lot along St Lucia Avenue, a busy commercial district in the capital. The officer, who is assigned to the St Catherine North Division, was on official enquiries in the area with two colleagues.
According to reports, the corporal left her firearm inside a service vehicle before conducting business nearby. Upon her return, she retrieved the weapon and released the slide, unintentionally discharging a round. The bullet struck her in the right leg, just above the knee.
She was immediately transported by fellow officers to the Kingston Public Hospital, where she received emergency treatment. Her condition has not been officially updated but is believed to be non-life-threatening.
The circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge are now under internal review, as is standard protocol in incidents involving law enforcement firearms.
OUR OPINION
This incident underscores the critical importance of firearm safety training and protocols within the Jamaica Constabulary Force. While accidents can happen in any profession, proper handling and awareness are essential when dealing with lethal weapons, especially in public spaces. We wish the injured officer a speedy and complete recovery and hope this leads to a review of procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Highlights
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Police corporal accidentally shoots herself in the right leg
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The incident occurred in a New Kingston parking lot around 10:45 a.m.
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The officer was retrieving her firearm from a service vehicle
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Currently undergoing treatment at Kingston Public Hospital
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JCF expected to launch an internal review into the incident
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