Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
THE SENATE has passed legislation aimed at establishing an independent civilian body to scrutinise the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Island Constabulary Force and the District Constables.
The Civilian Oversight Authority Bill was passed in the Upper House on Friday.
According to Leader of Government Business, Senator Burchell Whiteman, the authority is aimed at ensuring accountability and efficiency, thereby engendering increased public confidence in the JCF.
"Today there is a high level of crime - and the sophisticated nature of it - that the police have to contend with," Senator Whiteman said in piloting the legislation. "But at the same time, we are haunted by allegations of excessive force, corruption and other types of misconduct on the part of members of the force."
NO OVERLAPPING ROLE
He said several countries have responded to these challenges through the creation of oversight bodies to monitor and evaluate the performance of their respective police organisations.
Senator Whiteman noted, however, that the oversight authority would not disturb the role of the Police Service Commission or encroach on the domain of the Police Public Complaints Authority.
He said the authority would be responsible for monitoring the management and activities of the force, including its financial resources.
While the legislation received support from the other side of the aisle, Opposition Senator Arthur Williams criticised clause five of the bill.
Clause five allows the authority to impose a $100,000 fine on anyone who prevents an officer or an employee of the authority from entering any premises.
Both sides lauded the bill with several Senators making contribution to the debate.
GOVERNMENT PAY-OUTS
Government Senator A.J. Nicholson says the body was critical, as it would address the number of judgments against the police.
He revealed that over the past five years, the Government has paid out more than $280.5 million in judgment against the police.
"The Attorney-General's chambers and the Ministry of Finance cannot continue to have these high judgment debts, and this administration has always pointed out to the force, (that) when you go out on operations, please act within the framework of the law," he said.
Meanwhile, Senators Christopher Tufton and Dorothy Lightbourne underscored the importance of appointing a body which would act impartially and be in consultation with the Opposition.
The legislation was already passed in the House of Representatives and should now go to the Governor-General for his assent.
