Commish warns face-covered cops

Amid mounting concerns about the wearing of masks and balaclavas by members of the security forces, Jamaica's Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has instructed officers to ensure that these items are properly used.

Writing in the police's Force Orders, Blake said that while there is allowance for balaclavas as part of operational gear, members must exercise discretion and professionalism, particularly when interacting with the public.

"I want to remind some of our members who wear the balaclava while on duty, that there is a policy governing its wearing," he wrote. "If you are not familiar with the policy, which I am sure you are going to read and understand after today, you should know that it is very discourteous to be engaging a member of the public with face covering, especially during traffic stops," he said.

He described such conduct as "scoring own goals", emphasising that simple acts of courtesy and professionalism go a long way in building public trust. Members who disregard the policy, he warned, could face disciplinary action.

"So, let this be the final warning to desist from the practice. Commanders and supervisors, I know your monitoring and oversight of this will improve," Blake added.

The reminder comes in the wake of ongoing concerns raised earlier this year by individuals and human-rights organisations, including Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), regarding the use of masks and balaclavas by law enforcement.

"Citizens deserve a reliable mechanism to identify lawmen -- whether masked or wearing balaclavas -- accused of unlawful acts," JFJ said. The group argued that without visible identifiers, the distinction between lawful authority and criminality becomes dangerously unclear, eroding trust and public safety.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has also consistently emphasised the need for clear guidelines on the use of face coverings by officers, noting that improper use could intimidate civilians or obstruct accountability during police operations.

Blake emphasised that members authorised to wear balaclavas must do so in accordance with force policy and the broader culture of transformation within the JCF. He cautioned that members found disregarding the policy would face disciplinary action.