KINGSTON, Jamaica – Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, has affirmed that it’s unlawful for cops to demand the passwords to people’ telephones with out first acquiring a court docket order.
Talking throughout a post-Cupboard media briefing on the Workplace of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, Commissioner Blake addressed rising public considerations concerning the problem. He emphasised that such actions by regulation enforcement would represent a breach of authorized process.
“The police wouldn’t have the authority to compel anybody to disclose their cellphone password with out a court docket order,” Blake said. “This might be a violation of the person’s rights and due course of below the regulation.”
His feedback come amid rising reviews of residents being pressured by officers throughout searches and investigations to unlock their private gadgets.
Along with addressing the cellphone entry subject, Commissioner Blake responded to questions surrounding the enforcement of site visitors laws, notably the ticketing of motorists for automotive lighting violations.
He famous that cops have been instructed to discontinue what he described as an “unfair sanction” in such circumstances.
“We have now reviewed the state of affairs and communicated to our members that this explicit follow mustn’t proceed,” he mentioned, acknowledging considerations raised by motorists and stakeholders concerning the consistency and equity of how the regulation has been utilized.
Commissioner Blake reaffirmed the Jamaica Constabulary Power’s dedication to upholding the regulation whereas making certain that the rights of residents are revered and guarded
