JCF Takes Action Against Cops Involved In Pepper-Spraying Of Photo Journalist
In this file photo a policewoman pushes a woman during and incident in Cross Roads, Kingston.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has taken disciplinary action against the two cops accused of pepper-spraying Gleaner photo-journalist Rudolph Brown during an incident in Cross Roads, St Andrew earlier this year.
However, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which made the disclosure today, could not say what punishment was imposed.
“Internal discipline for the police is a matter for them, but it could mean a fine, punishment that is placed on their record, they may hold [bar] promotion,” Hamish Campbell, deputy commissioner of INDECOM, explained.
Campbell also told reporters, during a press conference at INDECOM’s New Kingston head offices, that arising from the incident, the leadership of the JCF recommended a refreshers course for all police personnel on the use of pepper-spray.
“There were errors there and the police accept that there were errors there. Hopefully they can learn from it and move on,” Campbell said.
Brown, reported in February that he was pepper-sprayed by a police constable, on the instruction of a sergeant as he attempted to video record an incident between the police and a member of the public.
The incident was captured on a video recording.
Brown said at he was in the Cross Roads area when he witnessed a commotion, which seemed to be caused by police attempts to arrest a man.
He said he took out his smart phone and began recording the incident. The veteran newsman said he was instructed by a sergeant to stop recording, but continued after identifying himself as a media worker.
The sergeant allegedly then told a constable to pepper spray him. According to Brown, the constable complied and sprayed the substance directly into his eyes, causing him severe distress.
Campbell said the incident was investigated by the police, who collected statements from Brown and the two cops. He said INDECOM supervised the JCF investigation into the incident.