Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has apologized for the mishandling of records belonging to the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) in an incident last year.

In a statement yesterday, Dr. Blake noted the exposure of the sensitive CISOCA records due to vandalism at a facility where they were temporarily stored.

He explained that CISOCA’s office was situated at 2A Ruthven Road for over 20 years.

In 2024, the office was relocated to a new facility at Upper Lady Musgrave Road in St. Andrew.

However, during the transition, some records that could not be accommodated at the new location were “securely locked away” in a temporary storage facility, which was later vandalised.

Dr. Blake said the incident cannot be described as anything less than gross negligence on the part of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, especially at a time like when its transformation is at an advanced stage and moving at a rapid pace.

The commissioner apologized not only to the clients of CISOCA, but also to Jamaica.

He noted that the mishandling of CISOCA records is particularly sensitive, given the nature of the cases the unit handles.

These records pertain to some of the most vulnerable members of society (victims of sexual violence and abuse) and their exposure has the potential to erode trust in the JCF at a time when public confidence is critical.

Dr. Blake committed to reviewing and improving the JCF’s practices and procedures with a view of preventing any such re-occurrence.

He said the force has to regain the confidence of the people and provide the necessary reassurance through its actions, and not only in words.