JCF confirms receipt and deployment of 1,000 body-worn cameras

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it has received and begun deploying 1,000 body-worn cameras, marking a major step in its ongoing effort to strengthen accountability and modernize policing.

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In a statement issued Monday, the JCF said the cameras were in an advanced stage of procurement during the final quarter of 2025. The Commissioner of Police had previously announced during a nationally broadcast interview in September 2025 that the Force was nearing completion of the acquisition. Despite disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, the procurement process was completed, the JCF said.

The Axon Body Camera III devices are now being deployed, with priority given to police formations that experience high levels of interaction with the public. According to the Force, rollout is being guided by operational needs, training readiness and established governance protocols. Procurement is also underway for an additional 1,000 cameras, with acquisition and deployment expected during the next financial year.

The rollout comes amid long-standing public debate and calls for broader use of body-worn cameras in Jamaica. Human rights advocates, including Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), have repeatedly urged the JCF to equip officers with cameras, particularly during planned operations and tactical deployments, arguing that independent video evidence could help clarify encounters and build community trust. Advocates have also pointed to several fatal police shooting incidents in which officers were reportedly not wearing cameras, fueling public suspicion and eroding confidence in law enforcement.

The JCF has defended the pace of the rollout, citing procurement challenges, logistical hurdles and funding constraints. The Force has said equipping more than 8,000 frontline officers is a complex and costly undertaking and has pushed back against claims that it is resistant to accountability, describing such narratives as misleading. According to the JCF, decisions on deployment are driven by operational considerations rather than reluctance to oversight.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has also previously addressed concerns about delays, noting that body-worn cameras require significant supporting infrastructure, including secure data storage systems. He has said the government is installing the necessary technology alongside the cameras to ensure the system functions properly.

The JCF maintains that the use of body-worn cameras is a central pillar of its transformation and modernization agenda, aimed at protecting citizens’ rights while also safeguarding officers who operate within the law. The Force said the cameras will help reduce false allegations, resolve disputes through evidence and strengthen professional oversight.

“This initiative represents a significant step in enhancing transparency, reinforcing public confidence in policing, and deepening trust,” the JCF said, adding that its approach is grounded in verified facts rather than competing narratives.

The Force reiterated its commitment to modern, professional and accountable policing in service of Jamaica.