KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant leadership transition is underway at Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) as former Assistant Commissioner Hamish Campbell has publicly endorsed his successor, Yanique Taylor Wellington, who has broken gender barriers by becoming both the first woman and the first Jamaican to hold the position of Deputy Commissioner and head of operations.
Campbell, who previously served with London’s Metropolitan Police, expressed strong confidence in Wellington’s capabilities, emphasizing her commitment to fair treatment of staff and her recognition that organizational strength depends on supporting its workforce. “She possesses a robust comprehension of Jamaican law and international best practices, coupled with the moral fortitude to persist in raising accountability issues without being deterred,” Campbell stated in an official release.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Campbell described the immense challenges INDECOM faced during one of Jamaica’s most violent periods, when fatal shootings reached unprecedented levels. He acknowledged that the commission initially operated in a constant state of reaction, overwhelmed by caseload and public scrutiny. This reactive approach eventually gave way to a more systematic strategy focused on identifying patterns and implementing structured investigative processes.
Under Campbell’s leadership, INDECOM underwent significant operational modernization, including the development of its first case-tracking database and enhanced review platforms. These tools brought greater consistency and depth to investigations, particularly in high-profile cases such as the Clarendon shootings, which tested the commission’s ability to hold state agents accountable and strengthened its role within civil society.
Campbell emphasized that his vision for INDECOM’s future centers on continuity, technological investment, staff development, and long-term capacity building—elements he believes are critical for the organization’s sustained effectiveness. He steps away with the conviction that real change in oversight work requires remembering the human impact at every level of decision-making.