INDECOM wants review of tactics by security forces

Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) boss Hugh Faulkner is concerned about the number of mentally ill persons shot by security forces in 2020.

"Since January to September, 15 mentally ill persons have been shot fatally or injured by members of the security forces. This accounts for 10 per cent of the 150 persons who have been shot and killed or injured in confrontation with security forces," he said. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Faulkner said that none of the 15 had a firearm.

Five had knives, four had machetes and six had other weapons. Four of the six had spoons.

"We are encouraging the security forces to review the tactics of response in dealing with the mentally ill. Other ways need to be identified in which they can be subdued without the use of a firearm. I understand that in some instances, the situation may be grave or challenging but we are encouraging a review," he said.

He urged the exercise of care and understanding when dealing with a person who is mentally ill.

"We have to exercise more than ordinary care because a mentally ill person may not understand the nature of what he is doing at the time. He may not even have the intent to commit injury or understand what he is doing," he said

INDECOM also noted that between January and September, it received 28 reports of accidental discharge of firearm, resulting in injuries to six officers and one civilian.

"Of the 28 cases, 24 were by members of the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) and four by members of the JDF (Jamaica Defence Force). The one civilian injured was a nine-year-old child. We have not completed the year but we state these statistics to encourage a review of the safety protocols that we believe needs to be revisited," Faulkner said.