Jamaica Constabulary Force revived its motor vehicles Seizure Guidelines. The new guidelines stated that no officer below the rank of Inspector can authorize a motor vehicle seizure.
The change is reportedly outlined in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Force Orders. It aims to increase accountability and reduce the misuse of authority. It also ensures that actions are justified based on a careful review of all circumstances.
According to reports, the authorities are concerned about reports of abuse and heavy-handedness. There are too many incidents of officers seizing motor vehicles without due care for the risk to persons and property.
The new guidelines reiterated that the seizure of vehicles under the Road Traffic Act is not mandatory.
Section 13 of the Road Traffic Act (2018) states that vehicles are liable to be seized for being unlicensed. They can also be seized for having no decal, and no registration plates affixed. Also, where registration plates are obscured, and operating a motor vehicle without the requisite license.
Nevertheless, the Force Orders said issuing a traffic ticket for any of the above breaches is enough.
Therefore, the J.C.F. insisted that ranks authorizing seizures must examine each case on its merit and exercise discretion accordingly.
Where a decision is made for seizure, the exposure of persons, property, and businesses to serious harm/loss must be considered. Also to be taken into consideration are circumstances where;
A vehicle is seized for being unlicensed when young children and babies are aboard
The seized vehicle is filled with perishable goods for not having a commercial license
The vehicle is seized for being unlicensed during a weekend or before midday on a Monday when persons are heading to work and intend to have their motor vehicles licensed.
-A commercial vehicle is seized for obscured registration plates. This is especially true when entities and contractors offer critical services. These services include lighting and cable.
Jamaica Constabulary Guidelines for Engaging Wrecking Services
Additionally, according to the Force Orders, only approved wrecking companies must be engaged whenever vehicles are seized. Engagement must be made through the Police Emergency Communication Center at the rates approved by the Transport Authority.
The wrecker rates are as follows:
Tow (within a 5km radius)
Motor Car $12,000.00
Coasters & Hiace Buses $22,500.00
Tow (over 5km radius)
Motor Car $600.00 p/km
Coasters & Hiace Buses $800.00 p/km
No-key Towing
Motor Car $4,500.00
Coasters & Hiace Buses $6,000.00