KINGSTON, Jamaica - Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington, in the wake of the shooting death of a policeman Tuesday night, has urged officers to be cautious when on or off duty.

“It has now become abundantly clear to all that the criminals among us will murder, shoot at and confront the police in order to perpetrate their life of crime,” Ellington said in a statement Wednesday morning.

“The Police will not be deterred or moved and will continue to lawfully respond to all threats against our personnel. As such, I urge all members to conduct their duties with extreme caution and care,” the Commissioner added.

A policeman identified as Special Constable Duan Peart was shot and killed in St Catherine last night.

Reports are that Peart who served at the Spanish Town Family Court was shot several times by unknown assailants in Grange Lane, Portmore while on his way home.

Special Constable Peart is the second policeman murdered since the start of the year.