National Security Minister seeks extension of Arrest and Detention Act

KINGSTON — Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson, on July 15, tabled a Resolution in the Senate seeking extension of the duration of the Constabulary Force (Interim Provisions for Arrest and Detention) Act.

“The Act has been a critical tool employed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in reducing serious crimes, and it is therefore expected that an extension of the duration of the Act will contribute further to the reduction of serious crimes,” Senator Nelson said.

The Constabulary Force (Interim Provisions for Arrest and Detention) Act, which came into effect on July 23, 2010, is scheduled to come to an end on July 23, 2011. However, a one year extension is being sought for the Act to expire on July 22, 2012.

This Act extends the powers of arrest and detention under sections 50B and 50F of the Constabulary Force Act, so that a person can be detained for up to 72 hours, instead of 24 hours, without being charged or taken before a Magistrate.

It also provides for the arrest and detention of a person outside of the locality of a curfew or cordon, if a Divisional Commander or a member of the JCF at the rank of Assistant Commissioner is satisfied that there is reasonable ground for suspecting that the person is about to commit, or has committed a crime within the area of the curfew or cordon.

By LATONYA LINTON, JIS Reporter