The Police High Command says it expects to receive 1000 new body worn cameras in the coming weeks.

It explains that the recent process to procure the cameras is complete and the contracts are with the provider ahead of delivery .

The update from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) follows repeated calls for  the use of body worn cameras, especially by officers on planned operations in order to shed light on incidents where there is a fatality or complaint against officers.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and human rights lobby group Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) have lamented their lack of use in fatal shooting incidents.

The High Command states that the 1000 cameras represent the largest single procurement of body worn cameras in the JCF’s history.

It adds that it is important to note that the JCF is incapable of manipulating the procurement process or  spending beyond the resources allocated in the annual national budget. 

According to the High Command it has no independent authority to purchase outside of that framework. 

Furthermore, the JCF says it maintains that operational decisions regarding the deployment and utilisation of bwcs remain squarely within  the purview of the JCF as the law enforcement body and not INDECOM.

The high command says  it has on repeated occasions, stated, re-stated, and clarified its position on the procurement and deployment of body-worn cameras (bwcs). 

It notes that there should be no question in anyone’s mind about whether the JCF is in support of their use. 

The police say the government has invested billions of tax dollars to create the ecosystem necessary to make their deployment widespread and the JCF has embraced their role in accountability and modern  policing.

Meantime in reacting to a recent fatal shooting incident in Clarendon, the JCF says it views every police encounter that results in a fatality as deeply unfortunate. 

It says, in the case of the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Jamar Farquharson in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon on September 15, the situation is most regrettable. 

The High Command adds that the facts of what took place on that day are to be conclusively determined by an independent investigation. 

The JCF is extending condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Farquharson.