Call for oversight body not an attempt to weaken INDECOM, says Bunting

National Security Minister, Peter Bunting, is insisting that there is no attempt to weaken the power of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

A parliamentary committee is reviewing INDECOM and Bunting and Justice Minister, Senator Mark Golding are leading the call for the commission to have an oversight body.

Speaking on Cliff Hughes Online yesterday, Bunting argued that INDECOM has been important in contributing to law enforcement in Jamaica.

However, he says considerations have to be given to the proposal that a body be established to give oversight to INDECOM.

Bunting says there is a danger in having the concentration of power in one individual who has the right to deprive others of their liberty.

Under INDECOM’s legislation, the Parliament is the recognised body to give oversight to INDECOM.

However, Bunting says the Parliament is burdened and cannot give effective oversight.

Critics have argued that any move to create an oversight body for INDECOM would be an attempt to appease the Police Federation and the army while weakening the agency’s effectiveness to prosecute errant members of the security force.