Increased Police Killings, Privacy and Other Concerns: INDECOM’S 1st Quarterly Report 2017

There has been a sharp increase in fatal shootings by the police this year. Moreover, almost half of those killed by the police were unarmed. What is happening? Like Susan, I wish that there was more discussion in Parliament on this particular issue. As it is, political leaders and the general public have a tendency to shrug their shoulders, and move on.

Right Steps & Poui Trees

Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is a Commission of Parliament mandated “to undertake investigations concerning actions by members of the Security Forces and other agents of the State that result in death or injury to persons or the abuse of the rights of persons”. (INDECOM Act) The Commission began work in late 2010 and submits annual and quarterly reports to Parliament; these reports are available to the public and many are posted on INDECOM’s website. The reports give both data and analysis regarding the complaints and incidents investigated; they also include reviews of issues of concern to the Commission. In the past, these issues have included

• deaths in custody
• deaths of the mentally ill in confrontation with the police
• command responsibility for the use of force
• the School Resource Officers Programme
• firing at vehicles.

1st Quarterly Report 2017

The 1st Quarterly Report – 2017 was tabled…

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