High Command tackles members for delays getting post mortems done
Published:Monday | June 8, 2015 | 8:41 AM
The High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reprimanding some members for their frequent absence or lateness for autopsies.
The latest edition of the Force Orders, issued at the weekend, says such behaviour is adversely affecting the normal functions of the Legal Medicine Unit.
It says the family of deceased persons are also suffering because some of them have to be travelling long distances and then wait for hours.
Meanwhile, the police High Command has listed other problems observed with the process.
It says it has been observed that investigating officers are not taking the files of the deceased to post mortems.
It also says personnel replacing investigating officers unable to attend the examinations are not sufficiently acquainted with the facts regarding the body.
And commanding officers are also being criticised.
The High Command says they are not providing transportation to assist personnel to the post mortems.
Meanwhile, it says members of the scenes of crime unit are not being called to attend autopsies involving unidentified bodies.
The high command says in those cases there is need to take photographs, fingerprints and ensure that pathologists take DNA samples.
Members of the public have regularly complained about the post mortem processes and the long delays in getting examinations done.