Probes launched into alleged cop beating of teen at bus centre
Published:Thursday | August 18, 2022 | 12:06 AM
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) have launched a probe into the beating of a teen, allegedly by a policeman, inside the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre.
The incident reportedly transpired last Friday.
Hugh Faulkner, commissioner of INDECOM, said its investigation has begun to take shape, with several statements and records collected.
The commissioner, speaking on Radio Jamaica’s ‘Beyond the Headlines’ programme Tuesday afternoon, said assault reports continue to be a major challenge with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
The Gleaner understands that on the day in question, the teen, who was on a staircase at the bus hub, was asked to subject himself to a search of his person by one of two policemen on patrol.
His mother, Charmaine Hayes, said she was told by her son that he was punched repeatedly and beaten with a baton.
This reportedly resulted in serious injuries, including a dislocated jawbone.
The teen reportedly cannot eat solid food and is being fed with porridge and fluids.
INDECOM said that a family liaison officer has been assigned to assist Hayes with counselling.
In 2021, INDECOM recorded 916 complaints against police personnel.
For the period January to March 2022, INDECOM received 212 complaints against the police. Second-quarter data were not available.
Faulkner is encouraging the security forces to pay attention to the assault complaints and has recommended retraining for some personnel.
It was not ascertained whether the accused policeman is at the centre of previous complaints.
Attempts to reach head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth, were unsuccessful.