JCF clarifies arrest procedures in push for public transparency

In an effort to boost public understanding and foster greater trust, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has outlined the legal grounds under which arrests can be made, aiming to clear up widespread misconceptions about the process.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Police Civilian Oversight Authority’s (PCOA) Pon Di Corna Podcast, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Desmond Brooks, who heads the JCF’s Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPSOB), broke down the concept of arrest and explained when and why officers are empowered to take someone into custody.

“Arrest essentially is when your liberty or freedom is taken away from you. That is what it is,” ACP Brooks stated. “You’re not free to leave, and any attempt to do so or to resist becomes another offence, added to the one for which you’re being arrested. But even in that situation, you do have rights.”

ACP Brooks highlighted three main categories of arrest that all Jamaicans should be aware of:

1. Arrest on Suspicion – This occurs when police receive credible information from a third party suggesting that an individual may have committed an offence.

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2. On-View Arrest – When police officers personally witness a crime being committed.

3. Preventive Arrest – When there’s a reasonable suspicion that someone is about to commit an offence.

He used a real-life example to explain the third category: “If you’re chasing someone with a machete and that person is clearly running for their life, police don’t have to wait until the machete lands. That’s enough grounds for an arrest.”

The conversation, led by PCOA CEO Otarah Byfield Nugent, forms part of a broader initiative by the JCF and oversight bodies to make policing more transparent and accessible to the public.

“This kind of clarity is important,” Brooks emphasized. “It helps to ensure that citizens are informed of their rights while also understanding the responsibilities and legal authority of law enforcement.”

The initiative aligns with national efforts to enhance accountability and communication between the police and the communities they serve.