February 21, 2017 – The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), welcomes the re-introduction of the body worn cameras as the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) implements changes toward the further professionalisation of the force.

The Commission hopes, that this investment by the US Government, will see the sustainability of transparency and accountability by those sworn to serve and protect; and assist the officers in the prosecution of perpetrators.

It is, however, concerning that the JCF has not yet advised INDECOM as to the proposed procedures and protocols that will govern the use of the equipment, collection and storage of data, and subsequent viewing of the footage. The limitations recently expressed in the media, such as officers controlling the duration of the coverage (by switching the device on and off at the time of public interactions), raised grave issues of transparency from the onset.

Further, in the introduction of phase two of the testing, a possible consideration by the JCF High Command would be to implement the use of the devices with the teams who have the highest fatal incidents or those operating in areas where the risk of confrontations are greater.

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