Recommendation (A/HRC/16/52/Add.3) (j) Rapidly bring into force the Independent Commission of Investigation, equipped with sufficient powers and resources to investigate all forms of police misconduct, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture and illtreatment ; (k) Break the cycle of violence by addressing the root causes of violent crime, including, inter alia, drug trade in firearms, links of criminal gangs to political parties, corruption, poverty and other socio-economic disparities; Situation during the visit (A/HRC/16/52/Add.3) The Bureau of Special Investigations and the Office of Professional Responsibility are institutions within the Jamaican Constabulary Force, while the Police Public Complaints Authority is a State-funded independent body. The Authority and the Bureau of Special Investigations will be replaced by the Independent Commission of Investigation, created under the Independent Commission of Investigation Act (2009). However, there is no clear time frame for when the Commission will start its work. The root causes of high level of violence in the country are, among others, the drug trade in firearms, links of criminal gangs to political parties, corruption, poverty and other socio-economic disparities within the country and within cities themselves. Information received in the reporting period Government: The INDECOM came into effect on 16 August 2010, to investigate abuses by members of the security forces and other state agents. INDECOM operates from three locations: Kingston, Mandeville and Montego Bay. A total of Jamaican USD 200 million was allocated for its operations for the fiscal year 2011/2. INDECOM, in its Special Report to Parliament, has made a number of recommendations for legal reform which are to be considered. Non-governmental sources: INDECOM commenced operations on 16 August 2010. INDECOM has been provided with resources from the Parliament to employ investigators, a process which has only recently concluded. However, it is reported that since INDECOM commenced their investigatory procedures, it has become evident that their powers to adequately and effectively ensure accountability of police officers have been hampered by the lack of cooperation between INDECOM and the DPP.39 The Government has reportedly acknowledged that it may need to clarify (and strengthen) the powers granted to INDECOM under the Independent Commission of Investigations Act. Government: The Government of Jamaica remains committed to fighting corruption, dismantling gangs and garrisons in communities and addressing the root causes of violent crimes. The GOJ has adopted a multi-faceted approach to addressing violent crimes in communities through its Community Renewal Programme, which has an initial target of conducting social interventions in one hundred (100) vulnerable and volatile communities over the medium term (3 -5 years). 39 135 Parliament moves to quell ODPP, INDECOM conflict. (3 June 2011). Jamaica Observer. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Parliamentmoves-to-quell ODPP--INDECOM-conflict_8949848 A/HRC/19/61/Add.3 The Government of Jamaica is also undergoing a major modernization of its national security and law enforcement infrastructure to reduce levels of violent crime and transform the national security environment. The Ministry of National