KINGSTON, Jamaica— The People’s National Party (PNP) will “accelerate the use of body-worn cameras by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)” when it returns to power.

The commitment was given on Tuesday by Fitz Jackson, the Opposition spokesman on matters related to Portmore, as he made his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate.

It comes at a time when lobby groups and the Independent Commission of Investigations have called on the JCF to equip its membership with cameras, in particular against the background of the significant increase in fatal shootings by the police.

The JCF has insisted that those killed challenged its members, but many of the shootings have been disputed by residents.

“Body-worn cameras protect both civilians and officers. If we can justify their use in low-risk situations abroad, we must demand them here where the stakes are life and death,” said Jackson.

He also stated that “body-worn cameras are essential to show whether the force used was justified as well as to protect both lives and truth. The inconsistencies revealed through body-worn camera footage in countless instances underscore how vital these tools are—not only for ensuring accountability – but also for protecting the integrity of the justice system”.

Jackson argued that “justice cannot be reduced to hollow rhetoric; it demands concrete, unwavering action”.

“We assure every Jamaican that any practice of the police that seeks to undermine respect and all that we expect in a free and democratic society will not go unattended. After all, it is the trust and collaboration between the security authorities, inclusive of MOCA, the JDF and others, that is imperative and indispensable to achieving a sustainable, safe and secure Jamaica,” he said.