INDECOM probing party bust-up involving off-duty cop
Published:Tuesday | December 3, 2024 | 12:10 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
The Police High Command has responded to allegations of misconduct involving a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) during a weekend party, emphasising that while officers are permitted to undertake “extra work”, they must uphold the highest professional standards at all times, whether on or off duty.
The incident, which occurred during ‘Rebel’s Birthday Celebration ... Street Wear Edition’ at the Stadium car park in St Andrew, has sparked public outcry and is now the subject of a high-profile investigation.
Viral videos from the event show an altercation allegedly involving a police officer and two social media personalities, TikToker ‘TJ’ and his girlfriend Moya, both of whom were reportedly assaulted.
Responding to questions from The Gleaner, Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake said he learnt about the incident on Monday while at a meeting and that an internal investigation had commenced into the matter.
In a press release on Monday, the JCF said its strict guidelines on private service arrangements were outlined in the Force Orders of March 8, 2018.
While extra work is allowed, all officers are required to uphold the highest professional standards at all times, whether on duty or off duty. Any misconduct or breach of policy is treated with the utmost seriousness. We assure the public that any member found in breach of JCF policies or the law will be held accountable. The integrity of the JCF and the trust of the Jamaican people remain our highest priorities,” the JCF said.
In the videos, a voice seemingly that of event promoter Romeich Major can be heard egging on the policeman to carry out the assault.
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Since then, Major – a talent manager and music producer – has publicly apologised for his role.
The Gleaner understands that international superstar Nicki Minaj posted a video of Moya on social media yesterday; however, she did not comment on the matter.
“Just want to say thank you @ninickiminaj as Moya and I need all the support we can get. Especially for Moya as she’s still traumatised and shaken up over the situation,” TJ wrote on his Instagram story on Monday.
Blake said the matter has been handed over to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), whose commissioner, Hugh Faulkner, explained to The Gleaner that the agency investigates all complaints of assault by members of the security forces, regardless of whether they are on or off duty.
While not addressing the specific incident, Faulkner said, generally: “Any citizen who alleges that he or she has been assaulted by a member of the JCF ... or a member of the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) or assaulted by a member of the DCS (Department of Correctional Services) while in custody at a correctional facility, any such person can make a complaint to INDECOM.
“The matter could be assault at common law, where, for example, somebody swung a baton. It didn’t hit you, but it put you in fear of being hit. Or it could be assault occasioning actual bodily harm, where there is a contact or assault occasioning grievous bodily harm or whether that physical contact resulted in a cut or laceration, which would make it wounding,” Faulkner added.