Week 9- Expectation of Policer Officer when Approaching Citizens/ Non-Citizens
Are there any rules that members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are expected to follow when approaching citizens?
Welcome back guys!!!! For this week we will be discussing what is required from a Police Officer when approaching citizens.
When Police Officers are engaging with members of the public, there are certain protocols or rules that must be taken in consideration. These are: Identification, Questioning, and Taking Statements.
When Police Officers encounters citizens, the Officers should at first identify themselves. The citizen has a right to know that the Officer is in fact a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force so the citizen can be aware that it is not a criminal disguising as a Police Officer. Therefore, that Officer should show the booklet that consist of the Officers name and signature. Secondlly, If the Police Officer asked a member of the public a question and that citizen do not follow through with an answer, the Officer should not use force because that citizen has a right to remain silent.
Thirdly, when you are taking statements, please be reminded that you should not take a statement from a minor unless a guardian is present and when you are questioning a citizen, ensure that you are patient and respectful as to not scare away the citizen. Also, the citizen as a right to request a lawyer before a questioning is done if the citizen is perceived to be a suspect.
See you all next week as we continue to discuss these exciting topics!!!!
Reference- http://www.oas.org/es/sla/dlc/mesicic/docs/jam_res26.pdf
Image Source- https://twitter.com/JamaicaConstab/status/1314716776068976641/photo/2
