The Video Identification Unit, a fairly new component of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) has been put on hold.

Speaking with THE STAR yesterday, JCF spokesman Karl Angell said that the move was in honouring instructions from the island's Attorney General (AG), Senator Dorothy Lightbourne.

"The AG has asked us to put it on hold for awhile ... to establish clearer protocols," Angell said. He said that they were awaiting further submissions from the senator as to the way forward after the break.

Sources say that the persons that worked in the unit may be transferred elsewhere. However, this could not be confirmed.

witnesses

The Video Identification Unit was established to eliminate the fear that witnesses had in coming forward to point out suspects during the conventional identification parade. The new system utilised video footage of the suspects as opposed to the witness actually seeing the suspect in real time.

The technology used by the unit was also aimed at reducing the time it originally took to execute an identification parade.

The unit which is based at the Central Police Station in Kingston, was officially launched earlier this year. It was said by some lawmen to have been welcomed by witnesses.