Police Commissioner Says It’s Illegal to Demand Phone Passwords Without Court Order

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, has affirmed that it is illegal for police officers to demand the passwords to individuals’ phones without first obtaining a court order.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, Commissioner Blake addressed growing public concerns regarding the issue. He emphasized that such actions by law enforcement would constitute a breach of legal procedure.

“The police do not have the authority to compel anyone to reveal their phone password without a court order,” Blake stated. “This would be a violation of the individual’s rights and due process under the law.”

His comments come amid increasing reports of citizens being pressured by officers during searches and investigations to unlock their personal devices.

In addition to addressing the phone access issue, Commissioner Blake responded to questions surrounding the enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly the ticketing of motorists for car lighting violations.

He noted that police officers have been instructed to discontinue what he described as an “unfair sanction” in such cases.

“We have reviewed the situation and communicated to our members that this particular practice should not continue,” he said, acknowledging concerns raised by motorists and stakeholders about the consistency and fairness of how the regulation has been applied.

Commissioner Blake reaffirmed the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s commitment to upholding the law while ensuring that the rights of citizens are respected and protected