JCF Building out Capacity at Lock-Ups for Remote Hearings

The use of technology for court appearances is now more crucial than ever, and remote hearings are becoming a more viable option. And as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on with “essentially no end in sight,” the Jamaica Constabulary Force, (JCF) continues to build out its capacity at lock-ups island-wide to facilitate hearings remotely. But not all police stations will be upgraded, as the divisional headquarters are being targeted first.

The historic Klansman trial was stalled on Monday, October 4, and has been postponed for 14-days, following news that two defendants tested positive for COVID-19 in lock-up. The option of connecting the courtroom with the St. Catherine lock-up using technology was not available as it was not equipped with the machinery to accommodate remote hearings.

But Senior Communication Strategist at the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Dennis Brooks says the facility in question was not in use when the technological capacity of police stations was being upgraded. Brooks says the lock-up is among four additional stations to be equipped in short order.

It is however unclear if any COVID-19 positive detainee has ever appeared remotely before the courts, as a 14-day quarantine period is required. 

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