CORAL SPRING, Trelawny — Acknowledging that his remarks may draw criticism, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Delroy Chuck urged Jamaicans to cooperate with the police, warning that law enforcement officers are legally authorised to use reasonable force — including lethal force — even against a fleeing suspect if it is the only available means of stopping them.

“And, as I’m saying, if the person is trying to escape and the only way to apprehend the person is deadly force, it is still reasonable force in the eyes of the law,” Chuck asserted.

Speaking during last Friday’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy Development and Estate Planning Public Education Forum, held at Ocean Coral Spring in Trelawny under the theme ‘Resolving Disputes, Securing Legacy’, Chuck explained that, under the law, police officers are permitted to use reasonable force against suspected felons.