1,000 BWCs coming

Under growing public pressure, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Thursday broke its silence on the controversial police killing of 22-year-old Jamar Farquharson while also taking aim at the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and updating the public on the long-awaited rollout of body-worn cameras (BWCs).

The JCF said it has completed the largest procurement of BWCs in its history, with 1,000 units set to be delivered in the coming weeks. The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on the police following the controversial fatal shooting of Farquharson in Clarendon earlier this month.

In a statement Thursday, the JCF reaffirmed its commitment to modern policing and accountability, noting that billions of taxpayer dollars have been invested by the Government of Jamaica to support the widespread use of BWCs.

“There should be no question in anyone’s mind about whether the JCF is in support of their use. The Government of Jamaica has invested billions of tax dollars to create the ecosystem necessary to make their deployment widespread, and the JCF has embraced their role in accountability and modern policing,” the police said in a statement Thursday.

However, the JCF was quick to assert that operational decisions regarding the deployment and use of BWCs remained entirely under its control – not INDECOM’s.

The statement follows sustained criticism from rights groups and the Office of the Public Defender, demanding answers in the September 15 shooting of Farquharson at his home in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon.

The police claim that Farquharson was shot after pointing a gun at officers. However, video footage that has since gone viral shows him opening his front door with his hands raised in apparent surrender. Additional footage appears to show police tampering with or attempting to disable surveillance cameras at the residence. Farquharson was reportedly killed inside his bedroom.

In a strongly worded statement, the JCF described the shooting as “deeply unfortunate” and extended condolences to Farquharson’s family but stressed that the facts must be established through an independent investigation.

“ ... The situation is most regrettable. However, the facts of what took place on that day are to be conclusively determined by an independent investigation,” the JCF stated.

At the same time, the High Command took issue with recent remarks from INDECOM Assistant Commissioner Hamish Campbell, who suggested that it was “perfectly legitimate” for senior police officials to comment publicly on fatal police shootings to reassure the public.

Calling the statement a reversal of INDECOM’s past position, the JCF reminded the public that the commission had previously warned law enforcement against making premature statements that could compromise investigations.

“Indeed, INDECOM has previously published guidance ... [urging law enforcement bodies to be mindful that] premature dissemination of information can have an adverse impact ... or to contact INDECOM prior to the issuance of statements on INDECOM investigations,” the JCF said.

The Office of the Public Defender has joined the call for increased use of BWCs.

“We firmly support and recommend that body-worn cameras must be made mandatory for all planned operations, ensuring that both citizens and officers are protected by a clear record of events,” the OPD said in a statement to The Gleaner, emphasising the word ‘must’.

“The OPD remains committed to advocating systemic change, monitoring human-rights developments, and supporting legislative and policy measures that enhance accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights,” it added.

INDECOM is investigating four police killings that occurred over a 24-hour span between Wednesday and Thursday – three in St Catherine and one in St Andrew during alleged confrontation with the police.

So far this year, 230 people have been killed by security forces, with 20 deaths recorded in September alone.

There were 189 police fatal shootings in 2024.

The investigation into the Farquharson case remains ongoing.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com