The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM)

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is a Commission of Parliament, governed by the INDECOM Act. The Act was passed on April 15, 2010 and the Commission began operation on August 16, 2010. The INDECOM Act repealed the Police Public Complaints Act that established the Police Complaints Authority (PPCA); which was a civilian body established to probe allegations against members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

INDECOM, is a civilian staffed state agency tasked to undertake investigations concerning actions by members of the Security Forces and other Agents of the State that result in death or injury to persons or the abuse of the rights of persons; and for connected matters. The members of the Security Forces and other Agents of the State for which INDECOM provides oversight include:

• Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)
• District Constables
• Jamaica Defence Force (JDF)
• Correctional officers at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS)

INDECOM is headed by a Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor-General, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, from persons of high integrity, who possess the qualifications to hold office as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica. The Commissioner shall hold office for a period of five years and may be re-appointed for periods not exceeding five years at a time. The Commissioner is assisted by an Assistant Commissioner and Directors of Complaints who have responsibility for a region. The four regions are: Eastern (Kingston and St. Andrew, Portland, St. Thomas), South Eastern (St. Catherine, St. Mary, St. Ann), Central (Manchester, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, St. Ann) and Western (St. Ann, Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland).

The INDECOM Act prescribes procedures for members of the public to make complaints to the Commission regarding incidents of misconduct; and methods of handling complaints. Complaints made to INDECOM can be resolved by way of recommendations for: Charge, Disciplinary Action, No charge or disciplinary action or recommendation for procedural changes. Complaints can also be resolved informally, on initial intervention by informal resolution or withdrawal.