John Myers Jr., Staff Reporter
Phillips
THE MINISTRY of National Security, while welcoming the proposed establishment of a police oversight authority by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), said the proposal is nothing different from plans to set up a civilian oversight authority.
"We are working towards that. It is a matter that is actively being discussed with ourselves and the Opposition," National Security Minister Dr. Phillips said.
"We have been pursuing that and looking at the whole question of whether the role of the Police Service Commission (PSC) is to be adjusted or whether some other mechanism needs to be developed," the minister added. He said the discussion is far advanced and preparations were being made to put in place the necessary legislative framework.
ENGAGED IN TALKS
Dr. Phillips, in a recent interview with The Gleaner, said both his ministry and the parliamentary Opposition were engaged in talks in regards to the setting up of this body. The civilian oversight authority, which would be headed by civilians, would replace the current Police Service Commission (PSC).
The PSC's powers are limited to matters relating to the hiring and firing of members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
"We recognise the need for greater levels of accountability. Even as we have quite properly given operational autonomy to the commissioner of police, we need, equally, to ensure that there is accountability to civilian authority generally, as well as to the society on a whole," Dr. Phillips said.
Deputy of Commissioner of Police in charge of administration and support services, Jevene Bent, said she was not sure of what the PSOJ was proposing.
"I don't think it is fair for me to comment on something that I'm not too sure what they are asking for and what the parameters are in which they are advancing (the establishment of the police oversight authority) and what the oversight and responsibility of that oversight body would be," she said.
Beverly Lopez, president of the PSOJ, called for the establishment of a police oversight authority "to monitor and report on performance, ensure accountability and advise on the administration of the contracts of the force."
