In this blog you will understand how a police should approach a citizen and a non-citizen.

1. An officer should not use force to citizen/non-citizen when questioned or simply enforcing the law.
2. When questioning a citizen/non-citizen an officer should not exercise threat in any situation.
3. A form of identification must be presented to the citizen/non-citizen by the police in order for citizen’s to verify that you are indeed an officer or in any situation must be able to identify the office if needs arise.
4. An officer must not take any statement from a minor (under 18) if their parents/guardian is not present (diGJamaica, 2021).
5. Police show ensure that they treat each citizen/non-citizen in a respectful manner.
6. Police show make addressment to adults by “sir or ma’am”
7. An officer should speak clearly and softly to citizen/non-citizen so they can understand the information given.
8. An officer should explain to the citizen/non-citizen the reason for the interaction.
9. An officer should be able to utilize discretion for matters that are minor.
10. An officer should also be able to minimize for rather repeat orders if a citizen/non-citizen isn’t able to follow them.
11. An officer should make decision based on probable cause and not based on discriminations of age, gender, race or religion (Mobile Police Department, n.d).

Reference

• diGJamaica. (2021). Code of Conduct for Police -Citizen Relations in Jamaica. http://digjamaica.com/m/police_citizen_rights/
• Innerglow Wellness. (2020). Action Steps Towards Antiracism. https://lightyourinnerglow.com/2020/06/30/action-steps-toward-antiracism/
• Jamaica Observer. (2017). Officer Returning to Work, says JCF. https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Officers_returning_to_work,_says_JCF
• Mobile Police Department. (n.d). Mutual Respect Guidelines for Citizens and Police Officers. https://www.mobilepd.org/youth/mutual-respect-guidelines/