INDECOM lashes out at JCF

Local authorities have done little to improve the conditions under which persons are held in custody.

This is the latest statement coming from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

The commission made the call on Monday while raising concerns over the growing number of reported deaths that it continues to receive of persons held custody.

Information from INDECOM states that since July 2013 a total of 24 persons have died in State custody. 

The data was released during a press conference held at INDECOM headquarters in New Kingston.

The commission report that of the 24 deaths in custody, 12 fall in the category of suicide or violent death.

Seven of the cases were of persons who were in the JCF custody and five in the Department of Corrections.

Further break down of INDECOM data show that of the number of cases, 12 were apparently of natural causes.

Commissioner of INDECOM Terrence Williams said he described the cases as apparent natural causes as they were still being reviewed.

INDECOM states that in the past few years there have been unfortunate cases of deaths in State custody which reveal prima facie failures.

The commission says there is urgent need for authorities to bring systemic change to the detention processes.

INDECOM says it is calling for the following problems to be addressed:

1.   Facilities are not laid out to facilitate the easy monitoring of detainees.

2.   Cells often have 'hanging points' which facilitate self-harm.

3.   The conditions of Lock-Ups and some prisons are poor as regards ventilation, overcrowding and sanitation.

4.   Lock Up staff seems de motivated.

5.   It is rare to find any staff assigned to Lock-ups or prisoners who have had any special training in dealing with vulnerable prisoners.

6.   Lock -Ups have no Standard Operating Procedures to deal with vulnerable inmates.

7.   Lock-Up staff are not actively supervised by the officer in charge of the station.

8.   No, or insufficient records exist as regards the housing and movement of prisoners within the lock-up area and their interaction with State agents.

9.   Insufficient monitoring of 'trustee' inmates.

10.   Most lock -Ups have no First Aid equipment.

11.   After a violent incident lock-up staff often fail to preserve the scene.