NCJ Number
183690
Editor(s)
Lois Whitman
Date Published
1999
Length
167 pages
Annotation
An analysis of conditions and experiences of juveniles held in police lockups and government institutions in Jamaica collected information from visits to 5 working police lockups in August-September 1998 and interviews of more than 30 children about their experiences; results led to recommendations for policy and program changes.
Abstract
Children as young as 12-13 years are detained for periods that can last 6 months or more in filthy and overcrowded police lockups, despite international standards and Jamaican laws that forbid such situations. The children often stay in the same cells as adults accused to serious crimes. They are vulnerable to victimization by their cellmates and to abuse from police. Their facilities lack proper sanitation, adequate ventilation, adequate food, exercise, education, and basic medical care. The police locked up some children because they deem them to be in need of care and protection and not because of suspicion of criminal activity. Recommended changes include ensuring that Jamaican law conforms to international standards, immediately ending the practice of detaining children in police lockups, ensuring that staff of all facilities housing children receive training in the special needs of children, and many others. Footnotes and appended text of international standards and excerpt from Jamaican law