KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has moved to clarify its position on the rollout of body-worn cameras (BWCs), following what it describes as “misleading commentary” in some sections of the media.
In a statement on Saturday, the JCF said it remains fully committed to the national deployment of BWCs, stressing that delays have more to do with procurement and budgetary constraints than reluctance on the part of the police.
“For several months, we have publicly acknowledged that the Force is actively engaged in the procurement of an additional 1,000 BWCs, a process that is lengthy and complex,” the JCF said. “Yet, rather than recognising this as an update in the spirit of transparency, some outlets have chosen to reframe this information as a response to public pressure. This is not only inaccurate, it is disingenuous.”
The JCF emphasised that the current limited use of cameras is not due to resistance from the rank-and-file but instead reflects the challenges of equipping more than 8,000 frontline personnel. Even with 1,000 new units expected soon, the Force noted, significant coverage gaps will remain.
The statement also pushed back against calls from rights groups such as Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) for mandatory BWC use, insisting that “the JCF will not be dictated to … on matters of operational deployment.” However, it said the High Command remains open to dialogue “grounded in facts, not assumptions or media narratives.”
Acknowledging concerns about the high number of police-involved fatalities, the JCF said it shares the view that the figure is “unacceptably high.” It outlined three approaches to reducing deadly encounters: lowering operational output (which it dismissed as unrealistic), urging criminals to cease using deadly force, and thoroughly investigating each fatal incident with accountability where necessary.
“We support every lawful investigation,” the Force said, noting that the majority of cases probed by INDECOM end with officers being cleared of wrongdoing. “This is the mature posture of a Force committed to modernisation, not a Force resisting change.”
The JCF called on stakeholders to “engage with the facts” and work collaboratively to address both public safety and accountability.