High Command sanctions TikToK cops

Criminals escaping in nearby bushes after being accosted by the police is an often used refrain repeated by police officers when reporting about incidents.

The line was utilised by one cop who was part of a group that created a video as part of a TikTok trend, which has caused many people to crack up.

"I'm a police officer, of course criminals going to escape in nearby bushes," the constable, dressed in uniform and driving a service vehicle, said in the video that has been making its way around social media.

However, the Police High Command does not see the funny side of the video and has sanctioned the cops.

In the video, one of the police officers commented: "I'm a police officer, of course me a guh ask har fi har number."

Another said: "I'm a police officer in Jamaica, of course cabbie a guh get a ticket".

"I'm a police officer, of course me a guh use the siren to come out of traffic," one cop said, before teasing the squad car's hooter.

In a statement yesterday, the High Command said that the actions depicted in the video have the potential to reinforce several negative stereotypes associated with the force.

"Such representations are not consistent with our current transformational thrust towards building a professional organisation. The JCF has made significant investments to raise the standards of our people, quality and technology and - as such - such behaviour will not be tolerated," the force said.

It said that the disciplinary actions taken against the cops in the video is part of a broader effort to ensure that all of its personnel's behaviour is consistent with the policies and ideals of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

"It is important to reiterate that this is not an isolated incident. There have been other instances where members, while in JCF uniform, have used their personal social media platforms to publish content that could potentially bring the organisation into disrepute," the High Command said.