Correctional officer charged after allegedly striking inmate at Horizon remand centre

A correctional officer has been charged following an Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) probe into the alleged assault of an inmate at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre in Kingston last year.

INDECOM said Correctional Officer Romel Wilkie was placed before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court in connection with the incident that occurred on February 26, 2025.

The trial has been set for April 14.

Following its investigation, INDECOM referred the matter to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which ruled that Wilkie should be charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, the oversight body said in a statement on Thursday.

According to INDECOM, the allegation is that the complainant, a male inmate, was struck in the face near his ear by the officer during a cell search for contraband. Medical evidence reportedly showed that the inmate’s left eardrum was ruptured.

INDECOM noted that since January 2024, a total of 56 law enforcement officers have been charged in relation to incidents investigated by the commission. Of that number, six are members of the Department of Correctional Services.

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