KINGSTON, Jamaica — The police High Command says members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are making it difficult for attorneys-at-law to visit their clients in police custody.

In addressing this issue, the JCF in its weekly Force Orders, reminded police personnel that it is the right of every person detained and in police lock-up to have access to legal representation of their choice.

“While security is paramount during such visits, every effort should be made to facilitate lawyers visiting their clients in Lock-ups,” the JCF Force Orders noted.

According to the Force Orders, the Lock-up Administration Policy makes provision for attorneys’ visit to prisoners and the following is extracted from the policy as a reminder:

1) A secure room should be identified to facilitate the visit between the attorney and the prisoner.

2) The prisoner should be searched before being allowed into the secure room with the attorney.

3) Once in the room, the prisoner must be in the view but not in the hearing of the police at all times during the visit.

4) Once the visit is over, the prisoner should again be searched before being returned to the cell at the lock-up.

The JCF further noted that the commanding officer as the chief jailer for the division is accountable for ensuring that the rights of individuals in custody are protected while adhering to safety and security guidelines.