By Monique Grange—
KINGSTON, Jamaica:
The Ministry of National Security is to embark on a project this year that will see members of select units of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) wearing cameras on their bodies.
Speaking at the Post Cabinet press briefing this morning National Security Minister Peter Bunting said the project is aimed at improving the transparency of police activities as well as the collection of evidence of criminal activities.
Bunting said the body-camera project is also part of efforts to encourage police personnel to act in accordance with the JCF’s professional standards including guidelines relating to the use of force.
Bunting said it is also aimed at protecting police from unfair allegations of violations of JCF standards.
He said the project will be rolled out in the second half of this year.
In the meantime, Bunting said he has issued directives to the Police Commissioner, Owen Ellington, to implement measures to address extrajudicial killings in the police force.
Bunting said the government is gravely concerned about fatal police shootings and is committed to the police being accountable for their actions.
The National Security Minister also said instructions have been given to the commissioner to take immediate steps to address compliance with the JCF’s use of force policy and the INDECOM act.
According to him, directives have also been given for new measures to be implemented to improve accountability.
