KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Findings from inspections of three lock-up facilities reveal that only one person in custody had a confirmed tuberculosis (TB) case.
The inspections were conducted on February 10 and 27 following media reports on February 6, 2026, regarding potential tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks at three lock-ups – Half Way Tree (St. Andrew Central Division); Hunts Bay (St. Andrew North Division) and Greater Portmore (St. Catherine South Division).
The investigation confirmed that the Hunts Bay Station had a TB case. Evidence of this was found in the Medical Journal at the station, which indicated that a physician had already administered treatment and collected samples from 5 other prisoners in custody for TB testing. Lock-up staff, however informed the team that an additional 10 prisoners in custody were suspected of being infected.
As for the Half Way Tree Station, there was no evidence of a TB outbreak. A review of the Medical Journal showed no TB-related doctor’s visit or prisoner transfers to external medical facilities for respiratory symptoms. In response to unconfirmed reports, an inspection was conducted at the Greater Portmore Station on February 27. While no evidence of TB cases were found, records showed one individual was treated for TB-like symptoms, which was pending confirmation. Notably, the PCOA Team discovered that five individuals were being treated for scabies, which causes intense itching and a pimple like skin rash.
Meanwhile, an audit of protective measures for staff was conducted. “We verified that officers at the Hunt’s Bay facility were equipped with adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which includes masks, gloves and sanitizers,” he disclosed.
In the meantime, at the time of inspections, it was documented that two (Hunts Bay and Greater Portmore) of the three lock-ups held prisoners above their gazetted capacity, the majority of which were remandees.
“We recommended that the Station Commanders put measures in place to address this issue as well as report and follow-up with the Area Commander and Detention and Courts regarding the relocation of excess prisoners in custody,” Mr. Beaumont stressed.
Under the PCOA Act of 2005, the PCOA is responsible for the inspection of police stations, lock-ups and other operations of the JCF. Prisoners in Custody inspections form part of the annual inspection schedule.
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