THE Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which investigates abuses by the police, military and prison officers, has asked Government to clarify why its members are not among the first set of front-line workers being given priority for COVID-19 vaccinations.

“The mandate of the commission, under the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, is to provide independent oversight of the actions of the security forces, which includes a 24-hour scene response function and interviews of concerned officers. While the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has outlined the vaccination plan for the organisations for which INDECOM has direct oversight for the JCF, JDF and DCS there has been no specificity of the inclusion of INDECOM [officers] in any named group,” INDECOM said in press release last evening.

Said Commissioner of INDECOM Hugh Faulkner: “Any perceived health risk to the security forces would be applicable to INDECOM personnel who are duty-bound to directly interact with members of law enforcement, in their professional capacity, and the wider public. The proposal for the inclusion of our staff, as a matter of priority, will seek to ensure the efficient maintenance of this essential independent investigative system. The lack of inclusion was perhaps an oversight and an issue that we hope can be easily remedied.”

Commissioner Faulkner said that he recognised and understood the necessity of prioritising the vaccination of persons over 60 years old, but considers it justifiable that due consideration be given and the explicit inclusion of INDECOM stated.

The commission said it wrote to the Ministry of Health at the beginning of March, seeking guidance on the vaccination plan for INDECOM staff members, but has so far, not had any response.