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The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says it will be keeping a close watch on what it described as the lack of accountability regarding the use of firearms issued to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

According to INDECOM Commissioner Terrence Williams, in his experience as a prosecutor, police stations do not keep appropriate records of the type of firearms assigned to policemen on active duty.

Williams, who was guest speaker at a recent Rotary Club of Liguanea Plains meeting in Kingston, said the typical practice that followed a suspicious shooting involved returning the weapons with no record on the type of gun used or the persons using them.

"They are brought back in bulk and put down in the armoury. When you're making a case, the ballistics can say which bullet came from this M16. But who had the M16? (You) can't prove it as no record was kept," said Williams.

The INDECOM commissioner said he was pleased to learn of recent directives issued by the director of public prosecutions regarding the proper record-keeping of firearms at police stations arising from the shooting death of Janice Allen 10 years ago.

Reporting procedures

He said INDECOM would ensure that standards and procedures relating to accountability be adhered to by both the JCF and Jamaica Defence Force as required by law.

Williams noted the new agency would be changing certain reporting procedures currently used to conduct investigations due to the slowness of the old system, and the delays by the police in responding to investigators' requests for information.

He said the agency was in the process of building the structure to meet the needs of Jamaica and to investigate the offences, adding it would be increasing its complement of investigators from 12 to 32 persons by year end.

Additionally, the agency also plans to establish offices in Kingston, Montego Bay and Mandeville to enable investigators to respond to crime scenes anywhere in Jamaica within two hours of receiving reports.

"If by next year this time we are not on an alleged crime scene within two hours, I would say we have failed. That's the first thing you can use as a measurable thing for this organisation," Williams told his audience.

Williams said INDECOM, which would rely on labs, as well as public support in conducting its duties, had received encouragement from the Government in the conduct of its duties which he hoped would be matched by financial support.

He added that the agency would be working with experienced lawyers and investigators to collect evidence that would be accepted by the court to ensure that cases brought before it had a reasonable likelihood of conviction.