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Police today told the media that professional standards branch has been called in to investigate this shooting:

Rafael Martinez, Police Press Officer
"Whenever there is an incident regarding police and the use of force, whenever a police draws out his license firearm to use it against anybody, there is always an internal and an external investigation to justify whether or not the use of force was justifiable. What happened in this case, the officer commanding eastern division saw it fit to get in touch with the professional standards branch to look into this and of course we will be very thorough when it comes to investigating our own. There is absolutely nobody that can hide under the radar when it comes to use of justifiable use of force."

But, immediately after the incident, Kent Skeete was charged with assaulting a police officer and harm. That would suggest that police already are assigning blame to Skeet for the confrontation with the officer. So today, we put that to the command of the Eastern Division, and here's how they responded:

Rowland Parks, reporter
"He has been charged with wounding and some other offence."

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster, 2nd In Command Eastern Division
"More than likely he assaulted the police. I want to draw contrast to the case of PC Blease who allegedly pulled his firearm was charged after a lengthy investigation. We are not here to cover for no police officer. We are here to be fair and balance with the public and as well with the police officers."

Reporter
"Reliable reports are saying that there is conflicting reports coming in from the person Kent Skeete, he is claiming that the police officer was at somebody's drinking and then saw him coming and then he was asked to stop and the police wanted to search him, but he refused and they somehow got into a struggle and that's when the police officer shot him. The police were here saying that he was conducting a search but rather that the guy try to go for his gun and that's when he had to use his gun to shoot him. Is that the scenario? There are conflicting reports."

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster
"We are not familiar at this time with that, but like what the press officer rightly said the office of the professional standard branch is investigating this matter and if the officer is found to be at fault then he will be dealt with. If he found to be justified in his actions then that will be that."

Reporter
"How would you investigate that when he has another partner who is foot patrolling with him and he decides to take his side, how would you find the truth that he is indeed socializing while on duty?"

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster
"I am quite sure that there are other independent witnesses to this shooting in the area that would be giving evidence."

Daniel Ortiz
"Dealing with this case, the gentleman who was shot by police he has been charged already, so there is always that perception that he is presumed guilty because he has criminal charges and is awaiting a remit at court. Couldn't the police have held off on charging him while they are investigating if this officer used proportional force?"

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster
"Charging someone is not the end all be it all. So if our investigation reveals otherwise then surely those persecution would be discontinued."

Today, Skeete was arraigned before Magistrate Herbert Panton and he pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was able to meet bail, and when we asked him about the allegations outside of court. He categorically denied it.

Nevertheless, he must return to court on October 30.