Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas (second left) sits with his deputies Assistant Commissioners Linval Bailey (left) and Glenmore Hinds (second right) and Senior Superintendent Donald Pusey. The occasion was an Operation Kingfish press conference at the Commissioner's Old Hope Road office recently. On display are the guns and ammunition the police say they recovered from Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett and his driver in Rock River, Clarendon, in an alleged shoot-out. - NORMAN GRINDLEY
AS THE JAMAICA Constabulary Force (JCF) continues its modernisation drive, to ensure that the people of Jamaica are provided with a high standard of security, the Constabulary's Professional Standards Branch (PSB) was launched on Wednesday, October 26, at the Police Officers' Club.
Chairman for the function Superintendent James Forbes told the gathering that the creation of such a branch will ensure that the society will scorn and rightly so, those who have been entrusted with the responsibility to protect and serve when that trust has been punctured with unprofessional behaviour by members. He said it is with this in mind that this new branch is being launched.
In her overview of the branch's anti-corruption policy, Assistant Commissioner Novelette Grant said "the formal establishment of the PSB as the internal oversight body since June 1, 2005, marked another step by the JCF in realising its vision of becoming a high quality, professional service that is valued and trusted by all the citizens of Jamaica." The Assistant Commissioner also stated that "the ability of the Jamaica Constabulary to achieve its mission and strategic vision largely depends upon the competence and professionalism of our members. The JCF and the Jamaican people expect, without exception, all members to uphold the highest standards of professional and personal integrity.
POOR PERFORMANCE
She went on to say that "it is undeniable that there is a gap between the public's expectations and the quality of service being provided by the JCF. The citizens generally advance poor performance, inefficiency, ineffectiveness and corruption as causes when police service falls below reasonable expectations.
It is critical therefore for the Constabulary to expressly demonstrate positive values in the areas of performance, competence, integrity, customer service, teamwork, care and consideration for people. This is a sure way for the service we provide to be valued and respected by the people of Jamaica for which our members can feel justly proud."
She disclosed that the following departments will be incorporated in the Professional Standards Branch:
1. The Performance Auditing and Monitoring Bureau
2. Corporate Planning, Research & Development Division
3. The Legal Affairs Division
4. Internal Affairs
5. Bureau of Special Investigations.
The Assistant Commissioner said that for the first time, the JCF has articulated an anti-corruption strategy to focus and guide efforts aimed at deterrence/interdiction, prevention and education. She said the strategy provides the scope to:
Investigate all cases of corruption and dishonesty with a view of criminal prosecution for those who are involved.
Use the disciplinary codes to dismiss any member from the force for serious cases of unethical and inappropriate behaviour, breaches of discipline and code of conduct that harm the image of the force and where it is in the public's interest to do so.
Use the provision of the Corruption (Prevention) Act to support anti-corruption work.
Develop inter-agency cooperation with agencies such as the Financial Investigation Division and the Corruption Prevention Commission.
In his presentation, Commissioner Lucius Thomas said the necessary steps will be taken to curb the insidious actions of any police officer in a bid to restore the trust and confidence once displayed in us.
Minister of National Security Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips told those present that in spite of financial constraints, he will be doing all he can to ensure that the new venture is successful.
Neighbourhood watch launch
A service was held at the Assembly of God Church located at 148 Constant Spring Road on Sunday, November 6, to commemorate the 18th Anniversary of the Neighbourhood Watch Movement in Jamaica. This year's celebrations are being held under the theme 'Empowering Communities through Education'.
In an overview of the movement, Island Coordinator Assistant Superintendent Marlene Wilson-Christie stated that "the Neighbourhood Watch Movement is a public initiative conceptualised as a major crime-prevention tool." She said in the early days, the programme was basically a reactive one where residents would respond to the call for help upon hearing the sound of a whistle or a pot cover. Since then, the movement has grown from being just a crime-prevention concept to one that is linked to overall community development.
Mrs Wilson-Christie also told the gathering that there are presently 670 watches launched to date with at least 17 in each police division.
On The Beat is a production of the Constabulary Communication Network. For further information contact Inspector Victor Henry, Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn, Corporal Natasha Green or Constable Oneil Patterson at 978-2729 or 978-2214.
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