Prime Minister Holness: Use of Force Policy Central to Sustainable Crime-Fighting and Rights Protection
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a professional and accountable security force as part of a sustainable crime-fighting approach. At the most recent meeting of the National Security Council, the Prime Minister emphasized that the strict enforcement of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Use of Force Policy is a critical element in reducing crime while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all Jamaicans.
The Prime Minister’s directive comes as the country continues to record an 18% decline in major crimes. According to the JCF’s latest data, murders have decreased by 37%, shootings by 30%, rapes by 47% and robberies by 4% as of April 30, 2025. These outcomes reflect the success of the Government’s comprehensive crime reduction strategy, which balances effective enforcement with respect for the rule of law and human rights.
Speaking on the role of the JCF in the strategy, Prime Minister Holness stated:
“I will be the first to tell you that my administration will never sit by and allow our state forces to act in a way that wantonly abuses the rights of our citizens.”
He continued:
“We will continue on the path to reduce crime and violence in Jamaica by dealing appropriately with those criminals who challenge the state whilst maintaining respect for the human rights of every Jamaican.”
The Use of Force Policy of the Jamaica Constabulary Force provides the framework that guides how and when force may be used by police officers, ensuring that all interactions with the public are measured, necessary, and anchored in the protection of life. It reinforces the requirement that officers exhaust non-violent options before engaging in the use of force and mandates the reporting and review of all such incidents. Oversight is provided through internal mechanisms such as the Office of Professional Responsibility and independent bodies like the Police Public Complaints Authority and INDECOM.
Importantly, the policy outlines clear standards of accountability for both officers and their supervisors and is supported by mandatory training, re-certification, and investigative procedures, particularly where force results in injury or death. The policy respects Jamaica’s constitutional framework on human rights and international human rights law, including the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
The Government’s commitment to rights-based policing must be matched by consistent internal enforcement, and the Prime Minister acknowledged that the leadership of the JCF has held officers accountable for breaches of the Use of Force Policy, taking deliberate steps to ensure that all members of the Force operate within the bounds of law and human rights standards.
“In as much as the police would have improved their kinetic operations and tactics in how they engage criminals who confront them, the JCF has also internally taken action against policemen and women who have acted outside of the use of force policy,” the Prime Minister stated.
He further instructed the JCF to expand community policing efforts, reinforce professional standards, and continue to build a culture of fairness, service, and respect as we serve and protect the people of Jamaica.
The Government remains resolute in its goal of reducing crime in a sustainable and lawful manner, ensuring that security operations not only confront criminal threats but also protect the dignity, safety, and rights of every Jamaican.