KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Justice of the Peace (JP) in the parish of St James, Noel Hastings, says he is pleased with the conduct of the joint security forces in the Mount Salem Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO), noting that the residents’ rights are being respected.

Hastings said that the members have been operating in a professional manner.

“I personally drove through the Zone. Initially, it was a little tense but after realising it would continue, the people started to feel more comfortable (around the security forces). They are doing a good job,” he declared.

Hastings adds that he has seen where the rights of the citizens are being safeguarded.  Residents report that there have been no abuses and the security personnel are polite and respectful.

Protection of human rights has been built into the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act.

The law establishes a strict accountability framework to ensure that the human rights of citizens are observed and that the security forces account for their actions within the zones.

National Security Advisor, Major General Antony Anderson, said that the law requires selection of the commanders on the ground, and there is a requirement for them to receive training in human rights, the use of force and community development initiatives.

“The joint forces have received training and that is ongoing to prepare people to operate within the zones,” he noted. JPs play a critical role in ensuring that the rights of citizens are observed in the zones.  It is their responsibility to be present when the security forces are conducting searches.

 In addition, people detained or arrested must immediately be brought before a JP, who will determine whether there are reasonable grounds for the arrest or detention.

If the JP is satisfied that the arrest or detention is justified, the person shall be remanded in custody for not more than 24 hours, after which he must be brought before the judge of a parish court.

If the JP is not satisfied that the arrest or detention is justified, “he shall order that the person be released forthwith.”  

During arrest or detention, a person has the right to be visited by a spouse, partner, family member, religious counsellor, medical practitioner and attorney-at-law.