Passengers to undergo more scruting in police traffic operations

Motor vehicle passengers are to come under greater scrutiny during routine police stop-and-search operations.
   
Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Corporate Communications Unit, says the move is part of a new security strategy.
   
She told RJR News that passengers are likely to be questioned and are expected to respond.

"In most instances, it is in their interest because there might be a situation where they're in the vehicle and they may be having a problem and they don't want to say anything. So when the police speaks with them, it gives them an opportunity to relate to the police what is happening. As also, we want persons to account for themselves, to identify who they are in these instances," she declared.                      

Asked if the police would be acting legally if they choose to question passengers, Superintendent Lindsay responded:

"In furtherance to any investigation, police have the authority to ask questions of persons who they believe can assist with the investigation. There is also provision that the person... may refuse to answer. But in some circumstances, not answering and not cooperating will lengthen the amount of time you spend before the police."