Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips has said that as part of efforts to improve professional competence under the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reform and modernization project, a Professional Standards Branch and a National Investigative Authority would be established.

Making his presentation in the 2004/5 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House yesterday (May 19), Dr. Phillips explained that the Branch would investigate internal and external complaints of indiscipline, criminal activities, and corrupt practices among some members of the JCF.

He said it would also seek to co-ordinate the activities of various internal divisions with current investigative responsibilities, and would move from a fragmented to a cohesive approach that would allow for uniformity and greater accountability.

“The branch will operate under strict procedural guidelines in responding to, evaluating, and investigating all forms of police misconduct, and will ensure that Force policies and procedures address anti-corruption issues and practices,” he added.

The Professional Standards Branch will also be responsible for incorporating a human rights framework into policing, and would ensure that complaints were dealt with expeditiously, with transparency, and with due regard for the rights of both citizens and police personnel.

The Minister pointed out that government had accepted the Police Services Commission’s recommendation to take immediate action to ensure that all police officers at the rank of Superintendent and above be engaged on fixed term contracts, renewable on the basis of performance. The Police Services Commission has been mandated to initiate negotiations with the officers.

To further the effort to enhance competence and “remove the stain of corruption”, the Security Minister said government had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Metropolitan Police Service (Scotland Yard) in the United Kingdom, which would assist the local force in at least five key areas.

These include: anti-corruption measures within the JCF; improving forensic capability in relation to major investigations; establishing a response to organised crime; guidance to assist in the establishment of a regional counter terrorist response; and providing detective training to improve the capability of the JCF.

In addition, Dr. Phillips said Scotland Yard had also agreed to provide support for the establishment of a National Investigative Authority (NIA), separate from the JCF, with powers to investigate a range of complex felonies.

The new Authority is being created to respond to expressed concerns about the administration of the justice system; and ensure that the tradition of the justice system, defined by principles of impartiality and adherence to the rule of law, is preserved. The Authority will also be mandated to improve the quality and integrity of the investigatory process, which Dr. Phillips noted often came under criticism; and respond to allegations regarding excesses or abuse of authority by some members of the JCF.