Cops faced with making split-second decisions in highly charged incidents have been urged by Jamaica’s police chief to show “emotional maturity”, become “deliberate thinkers”, and act professionally.

Further, Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has urged the men and women under his command not to be daunted by criticisms and the “psychological burden” of decisions they are required to make “in fractions of seconds on a roadside, in a volatile and hostile crowd, during a domestic dispute, or in the face of imminent danger”.

Blake delivered his message in the weekly Force Orders circulated on the weekend to all members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, noting that he wanted to discuss the topic of decision-making because “it bears significant relevance to recent occurrences that risk eroding the trust and confidence of those who we serve”.