The Independent Commission of Investigations, INDECOM, has stated that it is unapologetic in its repeated recommendation to both Parliament and the Constabulary Force that body worn cameras must be prioritized to be deployed during planned police operations.

The issue was highlighted in a special report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday. 

In his remarks, INDECOM Commissioner Hugh Faulkner noted that the report comes at a time of increased annual fatal shootings and was being drafted months before the untimely death of Jahmar Farquharson last month.

Commissioner Faulkner said Farquharson’s death brought into sharper focus the issue of planned police operations by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the ongoing issues concerning the deployment of body-worn cameras.

He noted that the report sets out the information and facts regarding the continued increase in deaths involving the Security Forces and also the increased number of deaths occurring during police operations.

In 2019, fatal shooting incidents arising from planned operations amounted to only 10 people and accounted for just 12% of all fatalities.

As at July 31 this year, deaths during planned operations have reached 97 and represent 51% of all fatal incidents.

Commissioner Faulkner said whilst the need to deploy cameras at that time would not have been an operational or community reassurance priority, the present circumstances indicate otherwise.

He said it is recognized that the Government has supported the considerable efforts of the Constabulary Force in building the necessary infrastructure to support the planned increase in body worn cameras as well as increasing the number of devices available for deployment.

However the allaying of public and community mistrust is now paramount to a policing model which seeks the full cooperation of its citizens.

He said the seemingly entrenched position of the Police High Command to not reconsider and reflect on the necessity to re-distribute some of the current cameras to those teams which conduct planned operations, where there has now been a significant increase in deaths, is one which the Commission cannot agree.

Commissioner Faulkner added that aside from the strategic issue concerning cameras, there are several other issues which require addressing by the Constabulary Force.

INDECOM made recommendations which it hopes will assist in supporting a change to the constabulary forces operational practices with regard to planned operations.

The issues relate to C-C-T-V evidence, search warrants, documented plans, firearm exhibit recovery, and stricter controls over suspected persons.