JCF challenges INDECOM’s remark it should comment on ongoing investigations
Toriann Ellis / Our Today
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The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has noted with concern the recent public comments made by the Assistant Commissioner of INDECOM, Hamish Campbell, suggesting that it is a “perfectly legitimate approach” for the commissioner of police and senior leadership of the JCF to speak publicly on fatal shootings under investigation to reassure communities.
This statement comes from the fatal killing of 22-year-old Jamar Farquharson in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, on September 15, despite footage from his residence showing him surrendering to police officers.
The JCF has outlined that this position is, at best, disingenuous, given the repeated public and private concerns raised by INDECOM in the past whenever the JCF has issued statements or offered commentary on such matters.
Indeed, INDECOM has previously published guidance which states: “INDECOM is always careful and sensitive when issuing commentary on any INDECOM investigation, as premature dissemination of information can have an adverse impact. The commission urges law enforcement bodies to be mindful of this reality or contact INDECOM prior to the issuance of statements on INDECOM investigations.”
It is therefore surprising to hear this apparent about-turn, the police said.
“The JCF, like the wider public, is a client of INDECOM. We rely on the commission to carry out independent and impartial investigations that establish facts definitively. In recognition of this, the JCF has taken what we believe to be a principled position: that public pronouncements on matters under active investigation may influence, or be perceived to influence, the collection of statements and evidence,” Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake added.
The JCF further emphasised that their overriding concern is to preserve the integrity of investigations, protect the credibility of outcomes, and maintain public confidence in both institutions.
“The JCF continues to support and cooperate fully with this INDECOM investigation, as it has done with every investigation before it. Our support for the work of INDECOM in holding police officers accountable is beyond question.
“We recognise the Commission’s role as a critical pillar of transparency and oversight, and we respect its independence in carrying out that mandate,” Blake said.
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