Cameras off!
INDECOM calls for action as police shootings hit 11-year high, lacking body-worn camera footage in all cases
Published:Saturday | November 2, 2024 | 12:09 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
If the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) ever obtains the first security force shooting footage from a functioning body-worn camera in the pursuit of justice, it will likely be earmarked as a historic exhibit.
The oversight body said it has seen footage from body-worn cameras in police traffic duty, assault matters, one case of police shooting after the weapon was discharged but before pre-planned operations, and fugitive apprehensions. However, footage from actual shooting incidents remains elusive.
Yesterday, the commission again urgently called for the full implementation of body-worn cameras by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and all law enforcement bodies as police-related fatalities reach alarming levels across the country.
With a staggering number of incidents this year occurring without the critical oversight these devices provide, INDECOM warns that the failure to activate body-worn cameras during police operations not only undermines accountability but also deepens public mistrust in law enforcement.
During a press conference to provide details of its second quarterly report at its Dumfries Road, St Andrew headquarters yesterday, INDECOM highlighted the dire need for reform amid a troubling trend of increasing violence involving security forces.
According to INDECOM, at the current rate of fatal and non-fatal shootings by security forces, this year is projected to have the highest number of incidents in 11 years.
In 2023, fatal shootings amounted to 155 citizens being killed, with an additional 99 people shot and injured, marking a 16 per cent increase over 2022. As of October 31 this year, 149 people have been killed, with a further 66 shot and injured.
“Where they have been worn, the majority of cases have shown that officers fail to turn on the body-worn cameras, especially where a shooting incident occurs,” stated Hugh Faulkner, INDECOM commissioner.
“Our new case management system ensures that the data is captured on every event that inquiry is made and documented. Equally, the deployment of body-worn cameras to the specialised policing teams has not been introduced at all, and these teams are deployed in prepared and planned operations. The commission again recommends the swiftest and fullest implementation of this critical investigative equipment and tool for the procurement of justice.”
The commission noted that, despite the “broken record” recommendation, implementation has not occurred in any meaningful way.
The “broken record” recommendation refers to a recurring recommendation from oversight bodies and human rights organisations regarding the conduct and oversight of Jamaica’s security forces, particularly concerning accountability, transparency, and the use of force. Stakeholders have noted that while the recommendations are consistent, implementation has been slow, leading to ongoing concerns from both domestic and international observers.
TROUBLING PATTERN
INDECOM Deputy Commissioner Hammish Campbell pointed out that of significance is that, of the 252 fatal and non-fatal shooting incidents in 2023, not a single one involved the deployment of a working body-worn camera.
“One camera was deployed in a fatal shooting incident, but the officer failed to turn it on, and that matter has been reported to the commissioner of the JCF,” Campbell explained.
“Officers have cited that they are either not trained in the use of body-worn cameras, despite wearing them; the station is not equipped with body-worn cameras; or the issuing officer responsible was not present to deliver the body-worn camera.”
He emphasised that body-worn cameras would significantly enhance the evidence-gathering process and alleviate ongoing concerns regarding alleged abuses by security forces while supporting traffic enforcement.
“So far this year, four body-worn cameras were affixed to officers engaged in non-fatal shooting incidents. In three of those four, the officers did not turn the cameras on, and, on the fourth occasion, the officer turned the camera on after the event,” Campbell noted, adding that these incidents have also been reported to the commissioner of police.
Campbell highlighted a troubling pattern: although body-worn cameras are deployed in certain circumstances, they are not being activated.
INDECOM reported that 58 people have been killed by security forces in 50 planned operations as of the end of October.
“So 40 per cent of people killed so far this year have come from planned operations where these specialised teams enter properties, yards, and premises, resulting in fatalities. In not one of those planned operations were body-worn cameras deployed,” Campbell asserted.
“We stress that body-worn cameras are available to the JCF; they have been equipped with some 100 to 200 cameras, and those body-worn cameras need to be deployed to special operations teams, fugitive apprehension teams, CTOC, and specialised units. This deployment is essential to ensure accountability regarding what occurred during these operations.”
INDECOM noted that differing accounts are often given by the police, compared to eyewitnesses and relatives.
“Whether these accounts are true or not is impossible to discern, but the body-worn camera would provide that evidence, ensuring a reliable account for the court and offering safeguards for the police while reassuring civilians,” Campbell said.
“So far this year, in 10 months, of the 149 people killed, 58 have arisen from planned police operations.”
80 PER CENT INCREASE
In its report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, INDECOM detailed an ever-increasing number of people being killed by security forces.
“The current projection shows that, unless trends are reversed by the security forces in Jamaica, 2024 will see the highest level of fatal incidents since 2013. In 2013, there were 253 fatalities, indicating a significant issue at present,” Campbell stated.
INDECOM noted that 2019 had the lowest police fatal shootings, with 86, and, since then, there has been an 80 per cent increase in police fatal shootings. The numbers for previous years are as follows: 2020 had 115 fatalities, 2021 had 127, and 2022 had 134 police fatal shootings.
The commission also highlighted that many videos of incidents have been posted online recently.
“This underscores the importance of video footage in understanding police-civilian interactions, and we have seen numerous instances where digital images and video material have aided in establishing the truth in various matters,” Commissioner Faulkner remarked.
INDECOM emphasises that police-civilian interactions must be civil, decent, and respectful.
“While we require trained law enforcement officers to lead in this regard, citizens themselves have a duty to be respectful, civil, and cooperative. Our recommendation is to comply and then complain, as there are several avenues for legal remedy. The citizens of Jamaica are entitled to possess cell phones and recording devices, and to use such devices in a lawful manner,” Faulkner concluded.