Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA)
PCOA
Summary
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The Police (Civilian Oversight) Authority was established by Parliament in 2005 under the Police (Civilian Oversight) Authority Act, as a body external to the Jamaica Constabulary Force to provide scrutiny and promote accountability in the operations of the Force and its Auxiliary. It has no fewer than five and no more than seven members, appointed by the Governor-General in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for a period of five years.
The Authority can require the attendance of the Commissioner of Police or any other officer of the Force and its Auxiliary and call for and examine documents and records, and an officer who refuses to give information or to produce a document or record required by an Authority officer commits an offence punishable by a fine. It inspects the Force and includes a summary of its inspection reports in an annual report, which is tabled in Parliament.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 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
- Police (Civilian Oversight) Authority Act, 2005
- Citation
- Police (Civilian Oversight) Authority Act, 2005 (Jamaica), passed in the Senate on 25 November 2005
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
The Jamaica Constabulary Force and its Auxiliary: scrutiny and accountability in their operations, through inspections, attendance of their officers and the examination of their documents and records.