1. What does INDECOM mean?
This is an acronym for The Independent Commission of Investigations
2. What does INDECOM do?
INDECOM is charged to undertake investigations concerning actions by members of the Security Forces and other Agents of the State, that result in death or injury to persons, or the abuse of the rights of persons; and for connected matters.
3. When was the Commission established?
The Commission was launched on August 16, 2010. Full operations commenced in April 2011.
4. Who is the Commissioner of INDECOM?
The Commissioner of INDECOM is Mr. Terrence Williams. He has served as Commissioner since inception on August 16, 2010.
5. Why was the Commission established?
The Commission was established following prolonged public complaints of the conduct of investigations of alleged misconduct by the security forces. Further, under our Constitution and international law, the State has an obligation to conduct prompt and independent investigations into a potential breach of the right of citizens.
6. Who does INDECOM investigate?
- Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)
- District Constables
- Jamaica Defence Force (JDF)
- Correctional officers under the Corrections Act
- Other specified officials
7. Where are INDECOM offices located?
- There are 3 INDECOM offices:
- Kingston & St. Andrew
- 1 Dumfries Road
- Kingston 10
- Manchester
- Unit 10, Cobblestone Professional Centre
- 1A Brumalia Road
- Mandeville
- St. James
- Praise Concourse Plaza
- 18 Queens Drive
- Montego Bay
- Kingston & St. Andrew
- There are 3 INDECOM offices:
8. Is INDECOM subject to oversight?
- As a Commission of Parliament, INDECOM is mandated to provide regular reports and give an account of matters related to decisions of operations at any given time. INDECOM has provided annual reports, quarterly reports and a special report since inception to Parliament. The Commissioner has also appeared before Parliamentary Committees: Joint Select Committee and Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC).
- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), can at any time, take charge of or discontinue any prosecution initiated by the Commission, as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is advised before the Commission charges an officer.
- Judicial Review of any of the Commission’s decisions to prosecute, can be sought by an organization or member of the public.
9. How is INDECOM funded?
The Commission is funded by Government of Jamaica from the consolidated fund. It also receives support from international partners: the Department for International Development (DFID), the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), European Union (EU)and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) .
10. How does INDECOM benefit you?
Any person who has suffered abuse at the hands of a member or members of the security forces or Agents of the State can make a complaint to INDECOM for investigation. The first step is to make a formal complaint, and an investigation will commence. The recommendation following the outcome of an investigation is by the Commissioner.
11. Are INDECOM investigators police officers?
INDECOM investigators are NOT police officers. They are civilians who work independently of the police but who have the powers of a Constable in the conduct of their statutory functions.
12. What is a Commission’s Report?
The Commission’s Report (CR) is the final report submitted at the conclusion off an investigation and legal assessment. The report is delivered to specified individuals cited under the INDECOM Act. This includes the concerned officer(s) and the complainant and/or their family.