It is critical that citizens have reliable means to identify officers wearing various types of face coverings. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
April 10, 2025
Concerning increased use of masks in operations
Dear Editor,
Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has received several reports that police officers and soldiers have been observed wearing face masks and balaclavas while conducting public duties.
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We are deeply concerned by this practice and call upon the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) leadership to publicly disclose any protocols concerning the wearing of masks and balaclavas during general public duties or planned tactical operations. It is critical that citizens have reliable means to identify officers wearing such coverings. This ensures they can report misconduct to the JCF, JDF, Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), and relevant oversight bodies when misconduct is alleged.
Our concerns include:
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• The frequent absence of discernible badges, numbers, or other identifiers on officers wearing masks and balaclavas, making it extremely difficult for citizens to distinguish lawful personnel from potential impostors, including criminals. This ambiguity jeopardises public safety and accountability, leaving victims of alleged abuses without justice. For instance, in Trinidad, since 2022, police have banned balaclavas with tactical gear to curb impersonation — a measure Jamaica could consider adopting.
• The persistent difficulty in identifying masked or balaclava-clad officers in controversial incidents. In a 2020 zone of special operations case supported by JFJ, charges could not be recommended by Indecom against soldiers allegedly involved in an assault, partly because at least one JDF officer wore a mask, obscuring identification.
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• Citizens deserve a reliable mechanism to identify officers — whether masked or wearing balaclavas — accused of unlawful acts, such as assaults, fatal shootings, or other breaches of law. Further, without visible identifiers, the distinction between lawful authority and criminality becomes dangerously unclear, eroding trust and safety. If Jamaica is to uphold our anthem’s promise, “Justice, truth be ours forever,” our leaders and defenders must establish and/or publish clear protocols to ensure accountability, protect officers, and maintain public confidence when such coverings are deemed necessary.
JFJ, therefore, calls on the Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake and the Chief of Defence Staff Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman to immediately release any existing policies on the use of masks and balaclavas in operations. Where protocols exist, they must be strengthened to mandate visible identifiers and document operational necessity. These steps are critical to safeguard justice and strengthen public trust.
Jamaicans For Justice
