KINGSTON, Jamaica — Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has lauded the efforts by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), towards a reduction in fatal shootings involving members of the security forces.

The justice minister was speaking at the recently held National Integrity Action/Office of the Chief Justice 5th Parish Court Judges training seminar at the Jewel Dunn’s River Resort in St Ann.

Chuck’s observation comes against the background of the recently released Amnesty International report on unlawful police homicide in Jamaica.

According to Chuck, the justice sector cannot ignore the Amnesty report as it paints a poor picture of the criminal justice system.

“Irrespective of where or to whom we want to ascribe blame, we all figure badly as decision makers, investigators, prosecutors and judges,” said Chuck.

At the same time, Chuck said that Jamaicans do not underestimate the perils faced by law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties.

“Jamaica has some violent criminals who are prepared to take on the security forces. Yet we cannot yield to unlawful and excessive conduct,” he said.

Chuck asserted that the establishment of INDECOM was intended to bring Jamaica in compliance with various international legal standards, which, together, constitute an international framework of fundamental safeguards to protect against abuses.

He added that the reduction seen in fatal shootings by the police must be applauded, as last year police shooting fell below the 100 mark for the first time in decades.

 “The public can have confidence in the presence of an independent oversight body, with sufficient teeth to discourage misbehaviour and human rights abuse by agents of the State,” Chuck said.