The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) this week released a revised version of its Human Rights and Police Use of Force and Firearms Policy. The Gleaner throughout this month will be releasing excerpts of the document to inform the public of the rules governing the JCF.

Human Rights and the Use of Force

It is the aim of the JCF to uphold and protect the human rights of all the people in Jamaica by providing a high quality, effective policing service in partnership with the community and in cooperation with other agencies. In carrying out our duties, members of the JCF shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force. Members of the JCF will only resort to use of force if other means remain ineffective and there is no realistic promise of achieving the lawful objective without exposing police officers, or anyone whom it is their duty to protect, to a real risk of harm or injury.

Philosophy

The JCF recognises and respects the value of all human life and dignity.

Policy

Whenever members of the JCF resort to the lawful use of force they shall:

Minimise any interference with human rights.

Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the lawful objective to be achieved.

Minimise damage and injury.

Ensure that medical aid is secured for any person requiring it at the earliest opportunity.

The arbitrary or abusive use of force by members of the JCF will result in both criminal and disciplinary investigation.

When determining whether or not to apply any level of force and in evaluating whether an officer has used appropriate force, a number of factors should be taken into consideration. These factors include, but are not limited to:

The conduct of the individual being confronted (as reasonably perceived by the officer at the time).

Officer/subject factors (age, size, relative strength, skill level, injury/exhaustion and number of officers vs subjects).

Influence of drugs/alcohol (mental capacity).

Proximity of weapons.

Availability of other options (what resources are reasonably available to the officer under the circumstances).

Seriousness of the suspected offence or reason for contact with the individual. Training and experience of the officer.

Potential for injury to citizens, officers and suspects.

Risk of escape.

Other exigent circumstances.