Body-worn camera training session undertaken for police trainees

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has indicated that trainees at its National Police College in St Catherine have been exposed to a body-worn camera (BWCs) training session, as part of efforts to drive better policing.

The JCF, in a social media post on Tuesday, said the training is designed not only to provide officers with the technical skills required to effectively operate the devices, but is aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and trust in modern police.

The training session was conducted over three days, starting on Friday, October 3, and was conducted by personnel from the police's Information and Communications Technology Division.

The JCF noted that it is operating in an era when technology continues to reshape how law enforcement interacts with the public.

Last week, the police told the public that the procurement of 1,000 body-worn cameras was completed and that the devices will arrive in short order.

There have been repeated calls for cameras to be worn by the police during planned operations, which became increasingly louder after the September 15 fatal shooting of 22-year-old Jahmar Farquharson in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon.

In the aftermath of his death, his family released CCTV footage of the day of the incident.

The video shows that Farquharson opened the door at the home and the police entered while he was seemingly detained outside.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which is probing the fatal shooting, said Farquharson was killed in his bedroom.

Civil society and rights groups have called for a thorough investigation into the killing.

The JCF has since offered condolences to the family and friends of Farquharson.

- Andre Williams

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