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Jamaica Launches Pilot Police Body-Cam Project as Need for Transparency Grows

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The project is costing an estimated US$400,000, which is also expected to cover the cost of training the police personnel who will use the equipment

The project is costing an estimated US$400,000, which is also expected to cover the cost of training the police personnel who will use the equipment.

Some 120 members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force will now have to wear body cameras when dealing with members of the public.

The pilot project was launched today at the police commissioner’s office where the U.S. Embassy handed over the cameras to the JCF.

The project is costing an estimated US$400,000, which is also expected to cover the cost of training the police personnel who will use the equipment.

Speaking with The Gleaner/Power 106 News Center following the launch, Superintendent Norris Rhooms from the Information and Communications Technology Division said cops who do not use the camera while interacting with the public, especially in questionable circumstances, will be sanctioned.

Rhooms also said steps will be taken to prevent tampering with the footage recorded by the cameras.

The cameras will be issued to the St. Andrew Central, St. Andrew South, Kingston East, Kingston Central, Traffic Headquarters and the Motorized Patrol divisions.

Jamaica is one of three countries in the western hemisphere to use body cameras.

The others are the United States of America and Canada.

Read more here.

 

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