Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigators Better Equipped
#Jamaica, May 29, 2018 – Kingston – After receiving the highest mark of 90.08 per cent in the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigators’ Training Course, Detective Constable Sharline Griffiths has pledged to use the lessons learnt to help victims of such crimes.
“For me, I will use the techniques to really get to the root in helping the victim,” she told JIS News.
She said that often victims are not forthcoming with certain information, but noted that “by persevering a little more, coupled with what was taught, you will be able to go deeper”.
Detective Constable Griffiths, who is an investigator at the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), was among 
24 persons who successfully completed the course offered by the National Police College of Jamaica (NPCJ). The four-week training programme was designed to meet the specialist work requirement of the investigators.
Among other things, it served to widen their knowledge of sexual violence; strengthen understanding of the laws governing the offences; and improve their investigative skills and competencies.
Detective Constable Griffiths, who spoke to JIS News at the graduation ceremony at the NPCJ recently, said that among the areas covered was how to properly complete a case file with all the necessary impactful evidence in place to punish sexual offenders.
“Once a case file is properly put together and you have evidence properly collected with DNA, you’ll find that you will be successful in the courts, and convictions will be secured,” she pointed out.
Other topics covered included DNA handling, analysis and examination of emotions, interviewing reluctant witnesses, crime scene management, exhibit handling, biometrics, sexual offences investigations, rape trauma syndrome, legal and ethical issues and committal proceedings.
Lessons were delivered using a range of teaching methods that catered to different learning styles such as lectures, which were accompanied by PowerPoint presentations; discussions; brainstorming; role play; and cooperative learning. Practical exercises were used in the delivery of certain topics such as case file preparation, court room demeanour and testimony. Exercises involving the courts were supervised by personnel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and attorneys.
Detective Constable Griffiths told JIS News that at the end of the training, the participants were able to reach consensus on how investigations should be conducted, and noted that the processes will be applied in the field.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, is optimistic that with the training received, the investigators will make a difference in investigating, interrogating and apprehending perpetrators of crimes against women and children. She noted that sexual offences and child abuse are forms of gender-based violence, and despite efforts to eliminate and address these issues, arrests and convictions remain low.
“This must be changed, and you are poised to become the agents of change,” she said in a speech read by Acting Senior Director at the Bureau of Gender Affairs, Sharon Robinson, at the graduation ceremony.
Ms. Grange told the graduates it is paramount that they address cases of sexual offences in a sensitive manner, and, with the newly acquired skills, they are expected to provide greater support and hope to victims of various sex crimes.
“You are now better equipped to deliver supportive and other necessary services, to collect critical forensic evidence, some of which is unique to crimes of a sexual nature, to ensure due process for defendants (thereby) resolving cases swiftly, fairly and effectively,” she pointed out.
Ms. Grange argued that investigators are most effective when they are guided by specialised knowledge, are sensitive to the needs and interests of victims, and are committed to multidisciplinary collaboration.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police, Wayne Josephs, who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Branch, said that the DNA Evidence Act is an important piece of legislation in investigating sexual offences and child abuse.
“It is the best thing to happen to CISOCA,” he noted, adding that it will be useful in solving cases that have gone cold. CISOCA cases are mainly those (involving) bodily fluids. For those persons already behind bars (who have committed sexual offences), they might come up on the radar, because the science and the technology doesn’t lie,” he pointed out.
The DNA Evidence Act stipulates the compulsory extraction of DNA samples from suspects and convicted persons; outlines the protocol for collecting, retaining and preserving these in addition to the retention or destruction of DNA profiles; and outlines penalties for breaches of the Act. These breaches include falsifying profiles, swapping DNA samples or profiles with intent to deceive, and tampering with containers or packages bearing profile samples.
By: Chad Bryan (JIS)
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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