Correctional Services Continues to Exercise Restraint with JDF Support

The synergy that has been developed among the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and the correctional services will not be disrupted by “hardened and dangerous criminal elements” intent on “driving a wedge” among the state agencies in order to weaken effective security and law enforcement.

This sentiment was expressed by the JDF, the JCF and the Department of Correctional Services during a media briefing at the JDF Headquarters at Up Park Camp in Kingston on Friday March 2.

The media briefing was held in the wake of allegations that agents of the JDF, while providing security support to the correctional services at the maximum security section of the New Horizon Detention Centre in Kingston, used excessive force to restrain a number of inmates.

With the aid of a 15-minute video footage capturing the behaviour of some of the “most dangerous inmates”, the state security and detention agencies reinforced earlier statements that the soldiers assigned to undertake security services exercised restraint even when faced  with serious episodes of physical attacks and abuse.

Chief of Defence Staff Major General Antony Anderson said brutalizing inmates was “unacceptable to the culture and discipline,” of the army.

He also emphasised that the soldiers who were manning security post 11, which houses several high-risk prisoners, followed procedures prescribed by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) regulations.

The army Chief further contends that based on intelligence gathered, the recent spate of disruptive conduct was not spontaneous and was designed by the inmates to drive a wedge between the security forces and DCS.

He stated that the heightened security at the correctional facility has frustrated the designs of those in custody to control and direct their criminal enterprises even while in custody.

"Under JDF care inmates are unable to direct gang activity, order killings or arrange robberies. They are also unable to wield any significant influence over other prisoners," the army stated.

The video footage depicted graphic sounds and imagines of inmates using foul language, resisting efforts to be removed and hurling what appeared to be faeces, urine and waste water at soldiers inside the remand centre.

When questioned by JIS News on the reasons for not using shackles as a restraint when necessary, as is the case in many jurisdictions, Director of Correctional Services, Lt. Col. Sean Prendergast explained that this would be against correctional regulations. He however disclosed that his department is exploring the acquisition of non-lethal technologies as resources allow.  

By Allan Brooks, JIS Senior Reporter