IN JAMAICA: What led a 21-y-o police constable Virdon-Ron Taylor to commit suicide? Commissioner appeals to spouses, colleagues, relatives and neighbours to report any signs of emotional unease affecting officers

Monday, April 21, 2014   

MANDEVILLE, Manchester — The Mandeville police say they have launched a detailed investigation into the suspected suicide of 21-year-old police constable Virdon-Ron Taylor at New Hall in Central Manchester, late Saturday.

The police reported that the young constable, who was assigned to the Anti-Corruption Branch in Kingston, was visiting his girlfriend when an argument developed over text messages on his cellphone.

The body of Constable Davian Thompson is placed in the
 undertakers’ vehicle last week. (PHOTOS: LIONEL ROOKWOOD)

He left the bedroom and shortly after, an explosion was heard. Taylor's body was then found slumped in a passageway with his service firearm beside him. Police placed the time of the incident at about 11:15 pm. He was pronounced dead at hospital.

Police say the scene was processed by detectives from the Scene of Crime team from Area 3.

Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington yesterday expressed shock at yet another police suicide stemming from domestic disputes.

Only last week another police constable, Davian Thompson of the St Catherine North Police Division, allegedly killed his wife, and then himself.

Ellington reminded those under his command that "the police force is not short of counselling".

Said Ellington: "We have established a fully staffed chaplaincy unit, which is offering counselling and pastoral services to every geographical division and every police formation in Jamaica. The chaplaincy unit has gone even further by establishing station pastors to further attend to the spiritual needs of police officers and also offer counseling where needed. Incidents like these are appalling." more