The Ministry of Justice has urged members of the public to report rogue justices of the peace (JPs) to the office of the Custos in their parish or call the ministry at 888- JUSTICE (587-8423).

In a statement this morning (April 21), the ministry said it did not condone the “deviant actions” of JPs who charge for services to the public.

The comments were in response to two investigative reports in The Sunday Gleaner which highlighted that the longstanding practice remained in effect in parishes across the island.

Individuals appointed as JPs are not authorised to charge for services such as confirming the identites and good character of individuals, but for years there have been ongoing reports that some JPs have required payment for such, particularly in relation to individuals they do not actually know.

In its statement, the ministry said the practice tarnishes the reputation of the office of the JP and went on to discourage members of the public from paying JPs for their service.

“The ministry continues to work alongside the Custodes to encourage JPs to exercise their duties with
the integrity befitting the office,” the ministry said.

“Additionally, steps have been taken to expel those who habitually breach the code of conduct. This has resulted in the decommissioning of 14 JPs since 2010 because of misconduct.”

The ministry said it has also been promoting the establishment of JP parish associations that would aid with the oversight and monitoring of JPs.

According to the ministry, individuals undergo extensive training at the Justice Training Institute (JTI) before being commissioned as JPs. At the JTI, they are instructed on their responsibilities as well as the standard of conduct to be exhibited by a functionary of the office.

“Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that the service is voluntary and as such should be free to the public,” the ministry said.

“In addition to this initial training, the ministry engages the JPs in regular sensitisation sessions where they are reminded of how they should behave as dictated by the JP Act (2018) and other relevant laws.”

The ministry said it was aware of the demand for the services of JPs and that, following the passage of the JP Act, JPs are no longer restricted to serving solely in their respective parishes but can now execute their
duties islandwide.

For a list of JPs across Jamaica, members of the public were advised to visit the ministry’s website, moj.gov.jm, email [email protected] or contact the office of the Custos in their parish.