A police constable, who has been accused of soliciting $350,000 as payment for him to release a prisoner who was in custody for alleged assault, kidnapping and gun charges, was arrested on Saturday.

The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force arrested Constable Conrod Collins of the Kingston Western Police Division in a sting operation. He has been held for on reasonable suspicion for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act 2000.

Down payment

Reports from the ACB are that on February 6, the accused requested the money to release the prisoner. Of that total, the constable is alleged to have received a down payment of $20,000. He was promised a further payment of $150,000.

After receiving information about Constable Collins, the ACB mounted a sting operation during which he was held. Two other constables were also present on the location. They were taken into custody, questioned and then released.