487 / 494
486
e.
We recommend that the JCF institute a method of tracking
and making readily available to all operational commanders
the use of force records of all members of their respective
units who have been the subject of accusations of the
unlawful use of force against citizens.
Use of Masks or Other Concealment Gear
15.28.
We accept that in some circumstances there may be justification
for members of the security forces to use masks. However,
we recommend
that the use of masks and/or other concealment gear be limited to special cases
when the identities of particular officers and units are best protected by these
means.
We also recommend
that where masks and other concealment gear
are used by entire units or groups, this be done only with the approval of the
CDS and CoP for the JDF and JCF respectively. And in the case of their use by
individuals who are accompanied by unmasked and uniformed or otherwise
easily identifiable officers and units, approval may be granted by senior officers
(superintendent of police and higher). Moreover,
we recommend
that in all
cases, there be reliable and verifiable means of internally identifying all
individuals for whom approval is given to wear masks and or other concealment
gear. There must be a record of all persons for whom such approval was granted
and the units to which they were assigned. It should be the responsibility of the
supervising officer(s) to ensure that the conditions for accountable conduct are
met.
Body Worn Cameras
15.29.
For decades there have been allegations of extra-judicial killings
levelled against the security forces and, in particular, the JCF. There also seems
to be a pervasive distrust of the JCF among many citizens.