JFJ wants review of arrest protocols after viral video

A confrontation between two women, one of them a cop, has again raised concerns about the conduct of Jamaican law enforcement officers during an arrest.

In the viral incident, which occurred on Monday, the civilian, who has since been identified as Tashana Hylton, is seen holding a policewoman by her uniform, while the cop is holding Hylton by her hair extensions. The cop is heard ordering Hylton to enter a police service vehicle. The women tussled, and the cop eventually forced Hylton into the vehicle. Following the video's circulation, the Jamaica Constabulary Force urged compliance from the public during police interactions.

Hylton has been charged with disorderly conduct, assault occasioning bodily harm, and malicious destruction of property. She was granted $100,000 bail with surety in the St Catherine Parish Court yesterday. She is to return to court on July 9. The court was told that Hylton went to a meeting at the school and that the police were called to escort her off the compound, allegedly over her conduct. A police team arrived and sought to take her into custody. The court heard that Hylton was hit in the face and held by her hair during the attempt to remove her and that's why she resisted arrested.

Mickel Jackson, executive director of Jamaicans for Justice, emphasised the need for a comprehensive review of both citizen and officer behaviour in such situations.

"It's important that citizens are made aware of their rights and responsibilities when interacting with law enforcement," she stated. "Furthermore, officers must adhere strictly to their training in executing lawful arrests and de-escalating situations as they arise." Jackson said the incident raises questions about the training and supervision of officers, as well as the implementation of de-escalation techniques.

"The presence of body-worn cameras would have provided an accurate account of the events leading up to and during the arrest, aiding in a transparent investigation," she said.