The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is a Commission of Parliament, governed by the INDECOM Act.
The Act 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 The INDECOM Act repealed the Police Public Complaints Act that established the Police Complaints Authority (PPCA), which was a civilian body established to probe allegations against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. We investigate actions 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 we provide oversight include the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the District Constables Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and the Correctional officers at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
A Commissioner appointed by the Governor-General after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader heads INDECOM. Selection of a commissioner occurs among candidates of high integrity, who hold office as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
The Commissioner holds office for five years and can be re-appointed for periods not exceeding five years at a time. At INDECOM, an Assistant Commissioner and Directors of Complaints who have responsibility for a region assist the Commissioner.
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).
Searching for Truth, Striving for Justice
