Gov’t to Implement Recommendations of WKCOE Report

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Government is working to address and implement the recommendations made in the recent West Kingston Commission of Enquiry (WKCOE) Report.

Making his contribution to the 2016/17 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on July 6, Mr Montague pointed out that the Jamaica Defence Force has already moved to review the use of force and weapons system policy.

In terms of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Security Minister said the organisation acknowledges that a few members failed to follow established procedures and protocols.

Mr. Montague said the police have, in large part since May 2010, been working on improving the general performance of the force and have gone deeper and further than the recommendations of the WKCOE 2016, in some instances.

“The use of force policy is being revamped, and a pilot project for body cams has been done and will be rolled out before year end. The Inspectorate has been revamped and is working to ensure adherence to established protocols,” he pointed out.

The Minister also noted that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to be signed soon with the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to agree and establish the way the police and INDECOM will work together going forward.

“This is an important breakthrough, a positive step. INDECOM and the police must work together, not against each other. The MoU will detail the steps to be taken by both as they engage, investigate and treat with each other,” Mr. Montague said.

He also commended the Commissioner of INDECOM, Terrence Williams and Police Commissioner, Dr Carl Williams “for sticking to the job at hand and recognising that it is for you the Jamaican people they work”.