KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid mounting public outrage over the controversial police killing of Latoya Bulgin on Sunday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has cautioned that heightened alertness among cops operating in violent communities must be carefully balanced with their core responsibility to “protect and preserve life”.

Speaking at the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Staff and Junior Command Course 91st Cohort Graduation Exercise on Friday, Holness addressed the incident directly, describing it as a matter rooted in “humanity, dignity and respect”.

“At the core of this is humanity and dignity. That’s what it comes down to, humanity, dignity and respect,” he said, acknowledging the pain and concern the incident has sparked across Jamaica.