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Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, browses through the new Citizens' Charter with Assistant Commissioner of Police Novelette Grant, during the recent launch of the handbook at the Police Officers' Club in St Andrew.
The following is part one of an edited version of the Police Citizens' Charter which was launched on behalf of the Jamaica Constabulary Force by Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, at a press conference on Tuesday, August 19.
CORE VALUES
RESPECT AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT FOR ALL INDIVIDUALSWe are committed to the constabulary's responsibility and each officer's obligation to safeguard the rights of all citizens; we will ensure that we adhere to the principles of justice, and try to ensure that all suspects/accused persons are given their legal rights.
We will respect the dignity of all our citizens and treat them with proper respect, courtesy, impartiality and be humane in our treatment of individuals and instil respect for the laws of Jamaica and the Police Service. We will police with due regard and commitment to the principles and values of human rights.
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY ARE OUR WATCH WORDSHonesty and integrity are our standards and guide our conduct on and off the job. We will abide by the ethics of law enforcement and be honest and truthful in our interaction, so that we gain the trust and respect of our citizens.
We recognise our office as a symbol of public trust and faith and are committed to the challenge of being true to the ethics of the Police Service. We shun corrupt and illegal practices and conduct that are conflicting to professional policing. We must demonstrate courage to stand up for what is just and honest and do that which is right to uphold the integrity of our profession.
POLICING IN GENUINE PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR COMMUNITIESWe are committed to enhancing public safety and securing our communities by working in partnership with our citizens to solve policing problems and to improve the delivery of policing services. We will strive to serve and protect our communities and do our best to reduce the fear of crime and the incidents of crime and violence by bringing offenders to justice.
We will spare no effort to work in partnerships with all groups in trying to solve problems; all our communities are our most important partners in promoting public security and a safe society. We will be responsive and accessible to our citizens so they have greater participation in decisions affecting public safety.
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY - A WAY OF LIFE FOR PROFESSIONALSWe are employed by the people of Jamaica to provide a service and, as such, we are answerable to them for our actions. Our relationship and dealings with the public will be based on a high level of transparency and accountability for outcomes within our control.
YOUR RIGHTS
Here are some of your basic rights:
All citizens are equal under the law. You must be told why you are being stopped, searched or what you are being charged with. You must be cautioned when arrested or charged. If you are arrested, you have the right to legal representation and to have your lawyer present during questioning. If you are arrested, you are entitled to at least one telephone call. A copy of a search warrant must be served on the occupant of a premises before the search commences, except under the exempt clause. Someone, other than the police, must be present when a search of your premises is being conducted. This individual may be the owner of the premises, a neighbour, a relative or a friend who is an adult. When you give a statement to the police it must be read over by you or to you and be signed or your mark (X) which must be witnessed.YOU CAN EXPECT US TO:
Uphold the laws of Jamaica firmly and fairly in accordance with our work. Be professional, impartial, fair, honest and reasonable in our dealings with you. Provide you with sound advice and timely information on which you can rely. Be accountable for our work and answerable for actions within our control. Strive to satisfy citizens in a way that will exceed their expectations. Be analytical in problem solving and spare no effort in trying to solve problems. Be prudent in all our dealings with a high level of transparency in our relationships with the public.
