Jamaican Police.Com

Superintendent Anthony Morris, head of the St. Andrew North Police Division, has issued a call for Jamaicans to familiarize themselves with the country’s laws, given that far too many of us seem unaware of our fundamental rights and freedoms.

When arrested he said, you have the right to be treated fairly and with respect by the police. He said also that under the law, there were a set of guidelines and rules, which govern and spoke to the rights of an individual who has been arrested. At the police station also, there is usually a prominent listing of your rights.

If arrested, you have the right to be informed of the charges against you, and the allowable penalties. You’re also entitled to a telephone call to your lawyer. Additionally, under the Legal Aid Act, a person who cannot afford a lawyer has the right to have a legal aid appointed. The only offenses for which legal aid is not given are: (i) Those under the Money Laundering Act (ii) Offenses under the Dangerous Drug Act for manufacturing, importing, exporting, taking preparatory steps to export selling or otherwise dealing in any dangerous drugs and being in profession, in excess of specified amounts; and (iii) Any offense not punishable with imprisonment.

Tags : arrested, freedoms, fundamental rights, rights