INDECOM Opens Centre in Morant Bay

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has opened its first satellite centre in the eastern parish of St. Thomas in an effort to increase access to its services.

The centre, which is located at the Coke Methodist Church in Morant Bay, will be open every Friday at 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to facilitate residents of the parish who may have concerns relating to police excesses.

Speaking at a special church service for the handing over of the keys to the facility on Sunday (February 19), Commissioner, INDECOM, Terrence Williams said the centre is the first of several such facilities to be opened across the island in order to bring its services to all residents.

“We must be able to be reached by all Jamaicans in every parish,” he said.

Mr. Williams indicated that while INDECOM now has three offices – Kingston, Mandeville and Montego Bay –  the ultimate aim is for residents across the country to have access to its investigators in an effort to ensure that the rights of all Jamaicans are protected.

“We are dedicated to the belief that the right to life is an important right to be enjoyed by all and all persons should enjoy equal treatment by the arms of the state, whether it is the police or the army…and although those organisations have great power there must be accountability for how they use that power,” he stated.

As it regards the location of the centre, Mr. Williams commended the members of the Coke Methodist Church for their “kind hearted gesture” in granting INDECOM a space on the church grounds to set up office.

He noted that due to a restricted budget, INDECOM was forced to use “cooperative measures” to further extend its facilities.

“We came up with the idea that if we could find churches or community groups that could host us in some of these towns where we do not have an office, we would be able to reach out to people and be able to receive complaints, without having the expense of a standing office,” he explained.

Mr. Williams informed that after extending the call to several churches and similar groups across the island, the Coke Methodist Church in Morant Bay was the first to open its doors to INDECOM.

“Thanks to the church’s cooperation we will have an INDECOM team of investigators in Morant Bay in the Bell Tower Office every Friday.

He said this will eliminate the need for residents to travel long distances to Kingston to lodge their complaints with INDECOM officers.

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Robert Rainford congratulated INDECOM for reaching out to the people of St. Thomas. “It is a commendable move and it is good to see that in under two years, you have taken the step to reach out to the rest of Jamaica and ensuring that the people of St. Thomas receive the service that they so deserve,” he stated.

Mr. Rainford further commended the members of the Coke Methodist Church for opening their doors to INDECOM, pointing out that it was a true example of cooperation and community service.

The Permanent Secretary further remarked that the role of INDECOM in the Jamaican society was very vital, as it ensures transparency and accountability among security personnel.

Meanwhile, Commander, St. Thomas Division, Superintendent Michael Smith pledged the support and cooperation of the police in that parish.

“The police of St. Thomas recognise that human rights are the inalienable right of all citizens. We understand the objectives that INDECOM is trying to meet and we are here to advance the cause,” he said. “This partnership is about openness and transparency and we want to have a collaborative and cohesive relationship and partnership with the organisation."

INDECOM undertakes investigations concerning actions by members of the police force and other agents of the state that result in death or injury to persons, or the abuse of the rights of persons.

The Independent Commission of Investigations Act repealed the Police Public Complaints Authority (PPA) Act on April 15, 2010. INDECOM took over from the PPCA on August 16, 2010.

By Athaliah Reynolds-Baker, JIS Reporter