Perspective: Indiscipline In Uniform … Eh!

It is unfortunate that many persons in Jamaica, in particular, oftentimes are prepared to voice the view that one of the main hindrances to the solving of crime in Jamaica has been the widespread perception that there is  indiscipline and corruption among the rank and file members of the police force.  This seem to be so based on words from high ranking leaders of the police High Command. There has been a recent reminder in the “Force Orders” … the official communique sent to rank and file officers of the security forces, mainly the police from their High Command under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Clifford Blake, as it relates to the renewal of their private firearms license.

Service Firearms

It is standard practice as we are all aware internationally that a service firearm is issued to all certified members of most if not all police forces so as to enable them to carry out their duties on our behalf … especially when confronting heavily armed and potentially dangerous criminals.  Such a piece of equipment is absolutely necessary.

Non Renewal

This publication outlines does and donts and helps to keep them on their toes. It is the official source of reminder to officers of any breaches they may be committing and of course general information among other things.

This is regarded as the official “bible” so to speak, and should be taken seriously.  It is like the last bastion of warning before disciplinary action is taken. Acting Commissioner Clifford Blake appears to be serious about correcting these breaches.

In the course of their official duties police officers are issued with a service revolver.  This is not the problem. It is when these officers apply for private weapons that a problem arise.  They invariably are issued these permits to get these private weapons quite easily, but are tardy when it comes to paying the associated fees and or government license fees.  The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) is taking a strong line against those errant officers, threatening to prosecute them as they would in the case of a private citizen/civilian.
The police High Command has gotten on board and has joined forces with the FLA to threaten those police officers who are in breach of the law as it relates to the non renewal of their private weapons.

Weapons Stolen

Some of these weapons may very well be stolen or misplaced.  At the time of renewal these weapons should be produced for inspection to the police and FLA or both.  We are not sure what has been happening.

Illegally Sold

God forbid if corrupt police officers have illegally sold their private weapon (s) to unknown persons especially in the underworld. There have been persistent rumours which cannot be corroborated due to lack of hard evidence.  This activity has in fact allegedly occurred or is occurring. We hope not.

Dirk Harrison

Contractor General Dirk Harrison, addressing Kiwanians recently said inter alia.” It does not matter whether the new Commissioner is from inside or out, what is important is that corruption or perception of same be removed from the Police Force.  There are anecdotal accounts of corruption in the Force which needs to be weeded out.”  This utterance by Dirk Harrison has the effect of casting a negative shadow on  the police especially at this time when they are searching for a new Commissioner of Police to replace George Quallo.

Acting Commissioner Clifford Blake appears to be the front runner for the job.

We hope this perception of corruption and subsequently indiscipline in uniform of the police force is misplaced.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.