(Jamaica Gleaner) The Jamaica Constabulary Force has revealed that an analysis done using its Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) has shown that a firearm, still in the hands of criminals, was used to kill as many as 16 people in separate incidents across St Catherine over a two-year period.
Quoting from the analysis in the weekly Force Orders released yesterday, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington said the firearm, a 9mm pistol, was linked to eight crime scenes in the St Catherine North and South police divisions between 2010 and 2011.
“This firearm was involved in the killing of 16 persons … five at one time and four on one other occasion,” he disclosed.
“This example gives an indication of the level of movement of armed criminals or firearms concealed in vehicles and on the person,” he added.
Guns used in multiple crimes
In addition, Ellington said for the period January to April 13 this year, 76 firearms were linked by ballistics to two or more crime scenes across the country.
“In 39 or 51 per cent of these hits, the firearms used were connected to incidents in two or more divisions,” he disclosed.
Ellington used the findings to urge police investigators to take advantage of the IBIS and other such facilities.
“Members are encouraged to fully exploit IBIS which, in turn, will allow for the tracking of gun-specific information and connection of a particular firearm to multiple crime scenes, irrespective of geographic location,” he said.
Added the commissioner: “This will enable investigators to link firearms involved in multiple scenes, which will improve detection, arrest, and clear-up of serious crimes.”
