Police (Civilian Oversight) Authority

POWERS OF THE PCOA
In the event that a matter comes to the attention of the PCOA in the course of inspecting and monitoring duties, the Authority may, where it sees necessary, refer the matter to the Police Service Commission; the Minister; the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption or the Commissioner of Police for corrective action to be taken.
In addition, when discharging its duties, the PCOA may enter premises occupied by any division of the JCF and its Auxiliaries and if information is required of a member of the Force, this should be furnished upon request. Failure to permit this process is a criminal offence

WORK OF THE PCOA
In carrying out its functions the PCOA receives regular reports from the police high command, meets with the Commissioner of Police, receives and reviews crime statistics, other documents and records.
Importantly, the PCOA is empowered to receive representations from members of the public in relation to the operation and conduct of the police. Such representations may include complaints, evaluation of the performance of the police, concerns, suggestions or commendations.
The PCOA does not only meet and receive reports from the police. It also conducts inspections of police stations, other facilities and lock ups. The Authority has examined the conditions under which persons are held in police custody, the arrangements made for victims and has made several recommendations for improvements including the greater need for funding of the police force whilst utilising the limited resources in the most cost effective manner.

PCOA AND THE COMMUNITY
The Authority has visited some communities and has organized community meetings in which the local and area police have participated. The PCOA has engaged communities and the police as the Authority believe that the essential role of the police is to serve the community and to be responsive to the needs of the community.
The PCOA stands ready to meet with you and your community and to receive representations from you whether in the community or at our office at 1A North Avenue in Kingston.
Our service is a valuable tool for the police and communities in terms of assisting to build communication, fostering and promoting accountability at the community level. This is in addition to setting standards of policing within the democratic framework of the Jamaican Constitution with full regard for the protection of the human rights of all citizens.
Together let us do our part in developing public confidence, accountability, transparency in the Jamaica Constabulary Force and its Auxiliaries, cooperating with the police in detecting crime and restoring order and national security in Jamaica, land we love.