The Independent Commission of Investigations, INDECOM, has expressed concern that a significant number of police officers continue to be prosecuted for serious offenses.
INDECOM is the state agency tasked to undertake investigations concerning actions by members of the security forces
According to the agency’s Commissioner Hugh Faulkner, he was hoping that the Police High Command would review a report prepared by INDECOM, with a view to effecting changes to police operations.
He said the police high command should review the conduct of the police to prevent them from being charged.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Faulkner revealed that for the period January 2011 to December 2023, more than 150 cases were brought before the courts involving police officers who have been charged.
The commissioner also called for the full implementation of body-worn cameras by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and all law enforcement bodies as police-related fatalities reach alarming levels across the country.
Fauklner then warned that the failure to activate body-worn cameras during police operations not only undermines accountability but also deepens public mistrust in law enforcement.
The commissioner added that at the current rate of fatal and non-fatal shootings by security forces, this year is projected to have the highest number of incidents in 11 years.
“Where they have been worn, the majority of cases have shown that officers fail to turn on the body-worn cameras, especially where a shooting incident occurs.”
“Our new case management system ensures that the data is captured on every event that inquiry is made and documented. Equally, the deployment of body-worn cameras to the specialised policing teams has not been introduced at all, and these teams are deployed in prepared and planned operations.
The commission again called for the swiftest and fullest implementation of this critical investigative equipment and tool for the procurement of justice.”
The commission noted that, despite the “broken record” recommendation, implementation has not occurred in any meaningful way.
The “broken record” recommendation refers to a recurring recommendation from oversight bodies and human rights organisations regarding the conduct and oversight of Jamaica’s security forces, particularly concerning accountability, transparency, and the use of force.
Stakeholders have noted that while the recommendations are consistent, implementation has been slow, leading to ongoing concerns from both domestic and international observers.
Meanwhile, INDECOM Deputy Commissioner Hammish Campbell pointed out that of the 252 fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents in 2023, not a single one involved the deployment of a working body-worn camera.
“One camera was deployed in a fatal shooting incident, but the officer failed to turn it on, and that matter has been reported to the commissioner of the JCF.”
Campbell added that body-worn cameras would significantly enhance the evidence-gathering process and alleviate ongoing concerns regarding alleged abuses by security forces while supporting traffic enforcement.
INDECOM notes that 58 people have been killed by security forces in 50 planned operations as of the end of October.
“So, 40 percent of people killed so far this year have come from planned operations where these specialised teams enter properties, yards, and premises, resulting in fatalities. In not one of those planned operations were body-worn cameras deployed,” Campbell stated.
In its report tabled in Parliament earlier this week, INDECOM pointed to an ever-increasing number of people being killed by security forces.
“The current projection shows that, unless trends are reversed by the security forces in Jamaica, 2024 will see the highest level of fatal incidents since 2013. In 2013, there were 253 fatalities, indicating a significant issue at present,” INDECOM’s Commissioner stated.
INDECOM noted that 2019 had the lowest police fatal shootings, with 86, and, since then, there has been an 80 percent increase in police fatal shootings. The numbers for previous years are as follows: 2020 had 115 fatalities, 2021 had 127, and 2022 had 134 police fatal shootings.
The commission also highlighted that many videos of incidents have been posted online recently.
“This underscores the importance of video footage in understanding police-civilian interactions, and we have seen numerous instances where digital images and video material have aided in establishing the truth in various matters,” Commissioner Faulkner remarked.
INDECOM emphasises that police-civilian interactions must be civil, decent, and respectful.
“While we require trained law enforcement officers to lead in this regard, citizens themselves have a duty to be respectful, civil, and cooperative. Our recommendation is to comply and then complain, as there are several avenues for legal remedy. The citizens of Jamaica are entitled to possess cell phones and recording devices, and to use such devices in a lawful manner,” Faulkner said.
Source: Loop News
