INDECOM welcomes deployment of body cams

THE EDITOR, Madam:

THE INDEPENDENT Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) welcomes and supports the recent announcement by the Jamaica Police Federation for the deployment of body worn cameras and less lethal weapons to assist police officers, especially in encounters with vulnerable persons.

The commission has consistently advocated for the introduction of body-worn cameras and less lethal weapons, to aid in the duties of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The Police Federation’s equal desire to be provided with bodyworn cameras and continuous training can only serve to bolster the confidence of the officers and citizens. Citizens will be reassured that an independent recorded account is available when they are in contact with the security forces.

The commission understands that the JCF continues to progress the procurement of body-worn cameras. The commission uses this opportunity to posit a phased approach, namely deployment to officers engaged in planned operations and the active enforcement of the Disaster Risk Management Act. Body-worn camera recordings, will assist in investigations conducted by the police and INDECOM, and are an effective training tool in ensuring that the professional standards are maintained. Incidents of assault, which continue to be the highest reported complaint to INDECOM annually, would further benefit from this.

You may recall that the commission and members of regional law enforcement groups collaborated in 2017 to produce a Caribbean Model Use of Force Policy, which was a successful initiative. Equally the commission welcomes the opportunity to aid in the development and/or review of the protocols to guide the use of body-worn cameras.

DENYELLE ANDERSON Senior Public Relations Officer INDECOM