Newsmaker: Major concerns after wrong man ended up on JCF’s ‘Wanted Wednesdays’

This week’s featured development as Newsmaker of the Week are the major concerns relative to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) publishing the image of an innocent man on a recent edition of its ‘Wanted Wednesdays’ campaign, with the man being mistakenly labelled as a murder suspect.

Then to compound the gaffe, the man was taken into custody when he visited the Mandeville Police Station in Manchester, and reportedly spent a number of high-stress days in the custody of the police, primarily in Portmore, St Catherine, where he was transferred.

Although the JCF has since removed the man’s photograph from its social media platforms and admitted to the error days after the mishap occurred, some Jamaicans have raised questions about the force’s internal systems that resulted in such a major blunder.

The developments have also seemingly sent shockwaves throughout social media and, according to some users, persons must now question whether their personal identification data is being properly protected, or if any similar mishap will likely occur with their photograph being wrongfully published.

The constabulary has since committed to review its internal systems to prevent any such future occurrence.

In a statement released Thursday, the JCF confirmed that Alando Gray was erroneously featured on ‘Wanted Wednesdays’ due to a mix-up with another individual bearing the same name, who is actually wanted in connection with a murder investigation.

“We deeply regret this mistake and offer our sincerest apologies to Alando Gray for any inconvenience or distress caused,” the statement said.

Days before the apology, Gray went to the media to share how his world was turned upside down by the mishap.

“From mi born mi never commit a crime. I’ve never been (taken) to a police station, (and) I’ve never been to jail (before),” said the 26-year-old construction worker during a Television Jamaica (TVJ) news report last week.

According to Gray, his brother sent the ‘Wanted Wednesdays’ flyer to him on May 28, 2025 while he was working with his father in Manchester.

He said he believed it was a prank until other persons sent the similar flyer to him.

The police flyer suggested that Gray was wanted for a murder that was committed in Portmore.

He subsequently sought the help of a pastor and his father, who both accompanied him to the Mandeville Police Station on Thursday, May 29.

Gray was taken into police custody, and was subsequently transferred to Portmore, during which he recounted being threatened by the officers while on the journey.

The JCF then posted his photograph on social media, indicating that the targeted murder suspect was in its custody.

Gray said he was questioned by the police a number of times, including in the presence of his attorney, but he was kept in custody for days until he was released on Monday, June 1, following another round of questioning.

The construction worker’s family believes that his photograph was the same one used in his passport, as well as one that was used to apply for a police record in 2021.

On Tuesday, June 10, Gray’s photograph was finally removed from the JCF’s social media pages.

According to attorney and human rights advocate, John Clarke, Gray’s image may still remain on images and websites belonging to other platforms and individuals.

“… More importantly, (it) may still affect him if searches are made online in relation to whether or not he was ever arrested by the police. He will always have to answer ‘Yes’ in relation to any material that deals with embassies, etcetera,” Clarke told a radio talk show on Thursday.

A day later, the Police High Command said it launched a review of its internal processes and quality management systems to prevent future errors of this nature.

“We are committed to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the information we share with the public,” the JCF stated.

Amid the error, the JCF reaffirmed its commitment to upholding public safety while also protecting the rights and civil liberties of all individuals. The police also thanked members of the public for their ‘understanding’ and continued support.

Meanwhile, social media users expressed their views on the matter, arguing largely that Gray should file legal action against the state to be compensated for the damages that were suffered.

Others contended, however, that mistakes can be made, and the public should not hammer the JCF.

“The correct thing to do (by the JCF), and a lesson to those who love to be destructive in their comments when people can be innocent. Nothing can be (more) cruel than a damaged reputation,” a female Facebook user opined.

“Bredda (Alando Gray), is a big money opportunity this. Get a lawyer and go civil court bro,” a man wrote.

“This mistake should have never been made in the first place. How you gonna put someone on a wanted list without proper information to identify the person you’re looking for?” a man asked.

Said a woman: “Boy, listening to the young man on my television, I felt his pain because I have three sons; suppose a did any of them?”

In response to that remark, a man declared: “Please move on nuh. The JCF apologise; move on!”

Shared another: “Everything you people create outrage about! Don’t batter the JCF, because crime down.”

Meantime, a woman recounted how she felt after seeing Gray being interviewed on television.

“You know what hurts? When he (said he) told them it had to be mistaken identity and the police (reportedly) told him he shouldn’t have come in, he should have let them find him and … him… Smh,” the woman stated.

Opined a male social media user: “Man (Gray) life done wreck already… that cannot be undone… Mistakes can be made, but this is a life and death one.

“Sad situation to find yourself in… being branded as a murder(er) is no joke.”

A woman suggested: “Sue them for defamation of character, king! Misleading information against you! This is no mistake; somebody a try set up the youth life and this was an easy way.”

In adding to the conversation, a female social media user wrote: “Anyone can make mistakes; humans runs the JCF, but this mistake seems truly questionable, investigation needed.”