When can cops be recorded?
Published:Monday | August 2, 2010 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Citizens and their rights have been abused for decades, and successive governments have promised to address the matter, knowing fully well it is the one area over which they lack full control, or are too scared to cause an offence.
A typical Jamaican is far more courageous than any politician, hence, we were able to get a first-hand view of what seemed like an extrajudicial killing by an agent of the State.
THE REQUEST
I am asking any or all of the following individuals - the minister of justice, director of public prosecu-tions, the commissioner of police and the prime minister - to make it absolutely clear to citizens what their rights are with regard to recording the activities and behaviour of police officers on duty.
Under what circumstances does a police officer have the authority to prevent citizens from recording how they carry out their sworn mandate 'to protect and serve?' Do Jamaicans have a right to record or capture images of the police while they are on duty?
Frequently, we see incidents where the police, on realising that they are being recorded, turn their attention to the person with the recording device. What message does this send to the commissioner and about the Jamaica Constabulary Force?
The video recording of this most despicable act is exactly what the commissioner has asked citizens to do, but it seems there are still some grey areas here, and we would appreciate some clarity on this issue, pronto. Thanks.
I am, etc.,
GARNET WAITE