INDECOM head Hugh Faulkner
.png)
Hugh Faulkner
By Racquel Porter
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says it is concerned by the failure of members of the security forces to use body worn cameras during planned and unplanned operations.
It's calling for the leadership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Jamaica Defence Force to urgently address the issue.
INDECOM head Hugh Faulkner said of the 106 fatal shootings recorded from January to June this year, he was informed of one body worn camera being used in a reported confrontation.
As a result, he said the commission "continues to monitor and ascertain from the concerned officers that we interview whether they were trained in, issued with, or was using a body worn camera at the time of a reported incident".
Mr. Faulkner said 12 of the victims were mentally ill and were shot when they reportedly attacked members of the security forces.
Updated figures on the commission's website indicate 119 fatal shooting incidents up to November 1 this year.
In the meantime, the INDECOM boss has also taken issue with the number of reports of law enforcement personnel accidentally discharging their firearm.
"During the period January to June 2023, there were 13 incidents of accidental discharge of firearm by law enforcement personnel and in five of those incidents, six officers were injured. This continues to be a concerning issue as each of these incidents has the potential of causing harm to self, colleagues or to civilians," he lamented.
More than 900 complaints
INDECOM said since the start of the year, it has received over 900 complaints about abuse by members of the security forces.
The commission has disposed of 626 cases, 412 of which were concluded with a commission's report and a further 214 cases were closed on initial intervention.
"Of the 412 cases, 93 officers in 52 cases were recommended for disciplinary action. Three officers were recommended for charge and in 357 cases, which amounts to 87 per cent were determined as having insufficient evidence to support a charge or to support a recommendation for disciplinary proceeding."
Mr. Faulkner disclosed that between January and June this year, the commission started investigations into 507 new incidents.
Some 240 of those incidents occurred in the first quarter, while 267 were reported in the second quarter.
Mr. Faulkner said the commission is forecasting that it will receive more than 1,000 complaints by the end of the year.
comments powered by Disqus
All feeds
