Rights groups call for urgent implementation of INDECOM's special report recommendations

Human rights groups, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and Stand Up For Jamaica (SUFJ), are calling for the Government and the police to urgently implement recommendations made in the Independent Commission of Investigation's (INDECOM's) Special Investigative Report on Planned Police Operations (PPOs) that was released earlier this month.

Describing the report as comprehensive and alarming, the rights groups raised concerns about a sharp increase in PPO-related fatalities, which it said were driven largely by the police's Area Fugitive Apprehension Teams (AFAT); and systemic issues eroding public trust and the right to life. They say they stand firmly behind the families who have lost loved ones as they call on the government to implement the recommendations soonest to prevent further loss of life at the hands of the security forces.

"The JFJ and SUFJ urge the High Command to: Implement INDECOM's recommendations, prioritise Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) for all PPO and AFAT operations, ensure documented plans, and mandate senior officer oversight to align with the JCF's Use of Force Firearms Policy. There also needs to be a review of AFAT Operations and Leadership: conduct an independent audit of AFAT tactics and promotions, ensuring commanders uphold human rights and accountability standards," read a release from the two entities.

In addition to strengthening intelligence and non-lethal options, as well as leveraging opportunities, such as bail reporting to detain suspects safely, the human rights groups also called for the Parliament to legislate mandatory BWC use - translating the JCF's protocol into law to safeguard the right to life.

"While we acknowledge the JCF's efforts in reducing murders by 40 per cent in 2025, human rights cannot be traded in the name of national security. The families of 232 Jamaicans killed by the security forces this year deserve answers, and our communities demand policing that is transparent, accountable, and just," they said.

Meanwhile, both JFJ and the SUFJ welcomed the announcement that 1,000 BWCs will be in the island soon, with complementary training on their usage by officers, and they strongly reiterated their call for the JCF High Command to make a public commitment that a significant portion will be deployed for PPO teams.

BWCs are critical to verifying accounts, addressing allegations of misconduct, and rebuilding trust being eroded by a projected 300 police-related fatalities in 2025, they said.

As per INDECOM's report, the groups raised concerns about the absence of senior oversight on 37 per cent of the 224 PPOs, and the lack of documented plans in 13 per cent of operations. The release also noted INDECOM's findings that three senior officers within the AFAT structure had between them some 64 police-involved fatal shooting incidents prior to their elevation to senior ranks.

"These failures coupled with allegations of planted firearms and conflicting accounts of 34 per cent of cases, are issues that the JCF's High Command must address," they said.

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