Records and Reports

Members of the JCF will verbally report any use of force to their immediate supervisor as soon as practicable. Any use of physical force by a member must be documented completely and accurately in an appropriate report, depending on the nature of the incident.

Notification to a supervisor will be made as soon as practicable following the application of physical force, under any of the following circumstances:

(i) Where the application of force appears to have caused physical injury.

(ii) The individual has expressed a complaint of pain.

(iii) Any application of a less lethal control device.

(iv) Where the individual has been rendered unconscious.

Policing Unlawful Assemblies and Serious Public Disorder

Policing unlawful assemblies and serious public disorder raises specific issues of command and control and requires all members to act in a disciplined and effective manner.

Everyone is entitled under the Constitution of Jamaica to participate in lawful and peaceful assemblies. Force and firearms may be used only in accordance with principles 13 and 14 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which states:

13. In the dispersal of assemblies that are unlawful but non-violent, law enforcement officials shall avoid the use of force or, where that is not practicable, shall restrict such force to the minimum extent necessary;

14. In the dispersal of violent assemblies, law enforcement officials may use firearms only when less dangerous means are not practicable and only to the minimum extent necessary.