KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Constabulary Force High Command has said the police force has acquired “a few hundred” body cameras which are currently being installed.

In a news release today, the High Command responded to the recommendations contained in the report of the Commission of Enquiry on the security forces’ operations in West Kingston in May 2010, speaking specifically to those relevant to the JCF.

One of the recommendations of the commission, according to the news release, is that the JCF as well as the Jamaica Defence Force, introduce body-worn cameras.

“Since 2005, police forces in many countries have introduced body-worn video cameras to assist in capturing evidence in real-time, to improve the quality of evidence and to provide a mechanism for greater accountability by member of the police forces,” the report stated. “The technology has been tried and tested. Rigorous evaluations have found the body-worn cameras are effective in reducing violence by the police and complaints against the police. They protect both citizens and police.”

The commission said the recommendation also applied to soldiers who participate in special police operations.

The commission singled out house clearing operations, recommending that “most of all”, body-worn cameras should be routinely used.

The commission acknowledged that the provision of such technology would be costly, but said the use of the technology could be phased in according to the resources available to the Government of Jamaica.

“We also appreciate that amendments to legislation will necessarily be required. Nevertheless, we believe that the introduction of body-worn cameras must occur without undue delay,” the commission said in the report.

The JCF noted the recommendation and said that it is consistent with steps that are currently being taken to implement the use of body cameras for operational units.

The JCF said having already acquired body cameras, installation of the necessary hardware and software elements is currently under way prior to testing, training and full implementation.

The JCF also said it intends to expand this programme.