Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM)
INDECOM
Summary
INDECOM was created by Act No. 21 of 2010 as an independent constitutional body to investigate all incidents where state agents (police, military, corrections officers, rural police) cause death, injury, or discharge firearms. The Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of a bipartisan Parliamentary committee, for six-year terms removable only for cause. INDECOM investigators have subpoena power, can compel testimony, and have statutory access to crime scenes, post-mortem reports, CCTV, BWC footage, and internal-affairs records. Findings are referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (criminal matters) or the Commissioner of Police (disciplinary matters); INDECOM cannot impose discipline directly but its reports are public and carry significant weight. It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful police oversight bodies in the Caribbean.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Independent commission |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010
- Citation
- Act No. 21 of 2010 (Jamaica), as amended
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
National; investigates all incidents in which members of the security forces (Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Defence Force, Rural Police, Correctional Services) or other agents of the state cause death, injury, or discharge firearms at any person; also investigates allegations of abuse of authority by officers.