Recommendation (A/HRC/16/52/Add.3) (f) Ensure prompt and thorough ex officio investigations for all allegations of ill-treatment or excessive use of police force by an authority that is independent from the investigation and prosecution. Any officer known to be abusive should be removed from custody duties. Heads of police stations and detention facilities should be made aware of their supervisory responsibility. Situation during the visit (A/HRC/16/52/Add.3) Many investigations are not prompt or effective, and prosecutions in cases involving the security forces are rare. Information received in the reporting period civil society, protect all victims of torture in the Jamaican context, and does not provide a remedy to individuals who are subject to abuse by state agents which relates not only to acts that cause physical pain but also acts that cause mental suffering to the victim. Government: The Government is committed to the prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of ill-treatment or excessive use of force by the police force. The procedure governing the removal of officers from frontline duty is contained in the Police Services Regulations and the Constabulary Force Act. Officers who are alleged to have committed acts with criminal implications are suspended from the service (i.e. active duty). If it is unclear whether the matter will result in disciplinary action, the officer is assigned to desk duty so that he/she does not interfere with the investigations. This measure remains in effect until the circumstances determine whether disciplinary measures need to be taken. The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) continues to carry out its investigations of alleged excesses and abuse by agents of the state. It is incorrect to suggest an ―ongoing power struggle‖ between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and INDECOM as the matter of concern related to the legislative provisions accorded to INDECOM and how this may conflict with the Constitutional Provisions related to the powers of the DPP. This matter is the subject of recommendations in INDECOM‘s Special Report to Parliament made in November 2011, which are to be considered by the Parliament. A/HRC/19/61/Add.3 131 Non-governmental sources: The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has initiated investigations on cases of excessive use of force. However, as mentioned in (j), there is an on-going power struggle between the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and INDECOM as to which agency has the authority to charge police officers. This is reportedly exacerbated by challenges to investigating and prosecuting

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