Caribbean Human Rights and Use of Force Model Policy published

In June 2018, the Caribbean Human Rights and Use of Force Model Policy was published as the final output of a regional process of reflection initiated under the leadership of the Jamaican Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) in 2017.

The Model Policy has, as a self-stated objective, the principle of “law enforcement by consent rather than by force”, which is reflected in the repeated emphasis on de-escalation and on the avoidance of having to resort to force if possible. It also highlights the importance of command and leadership, including the importance of planning to minimize the likelihood of having to resort to (lethal) force. On the other hand, certain areas still require completion such as the only cursory formulated policy on policing assemblies or the lacking guidelines for the use of kinetic impact projectiles. Other areas require stronger consideration for the human rights issues at stake (e.g. the use of electro-shock devices in drive stun mode or the use of bean bags should be prohibited). Nevertheless, considering the overall spirit of this Model Policy, it presents a major step forward in fostering greater human rights compliance by law enforcement agencies in a region that experiences still today uncounted cases of excessive use of force, unlawful killings and even extra-judicial executions by law enforcement officials. The Model Policy now presents a valuable starting point for the Caribbean states to strengthen their use-of-force frameworks in order to improve policing and to reduce and prevent human rights violations.  PHRP hopes that the Use-of-Force: Guidelines for the implementation of the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials it has developed will assist Caribbean law enforcement authorities to put the Model Policy in practice in full respect of international human rights law in general and in particular of the UN Basic Principles