In the wake of recent reports of hostile interactions between the police and citizens, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has taken steps to reduce such occurrences.
It follows last weekend's release of a video showing a woman resisting arrest and cursing a policeman in Gordon Town, St. Andrew.
In a document titled ‘Code of Conduct for Police-Citizen Relations in Jamaica’, the JCF said citizens are to show no hostility and comply with the instructions of the police.
Additionally, the Force said citizens have a right to ask what they are being arrested and or searched for.
According to the Code of Conduct, citizens may obtain the name, rank and regulation number of at least one officer on the scene.
The JCF added that citizens also have a right to refuse to answer any questions until their legal representative is present.
As it relates to police personnel, the JCF says members should not use force if questions, requests, demands or commands are disregarded, as citizens have a right to remain silent.
Additionally, the JCF members should present their identification cards when asked by a citizen.
However, the it added that the police may use reasonable and proportionate force to make a lawful arrest, in self defense to other members of the Force or citizens who are facing an immediate threat to their safety.
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