Advocacy group, Fi We Children Foundation, has denounced what it deems the alarming and unlawful detention of a 12-year-old boy, reportedly by lawmen in Trelawny.

The child was reportedly detained after he declined to provide the password to his cellular phone.

The Foundation described the incident as an egregious breach of the child’s constitutional rights.

Communications Coordinator Danneak Irons said this incident reflects a gross misuse of police authority and is a blatant disregard for the legal safeguards that protect children under Jamaican law, as well as international human rights conventions.

Ms Irons also noted that children have the right to legal representation and the presence of a parent or guardian during police questioning.

She said the Foundation has called for the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to probe the matter.

There is also a call for the Police Commissioner to issue a formal apology to the child and his family.

During Wednesday’s post-cabinet press briefing, police commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake said it is illegal for members of the security forces to compel citizens to provide passwords to their cellular phones.

Dr Blake said he had instructed police officers to desist from doing so.

He pointed out that only a court order can authorize access to a citizen’s phone via the password.