A PILOT bus service to carry police personnel to and from work in the Corporate Area of Kingston and St. Andrew, is to start early next year.
An agreement on the scheme was reached just prior to Wednesday's signing of the 2000/2002 wage contract between the Jamaica Police Federation and the Ministry of Finance. The contract sees salaries and cash benefits being increased by four per cent in the first year of the contract and a further four per cent in the second year.
"I think it's a wonderful idea. The only regret is that we cannot extend it to all the parishes [at once]," said Inspector Merrick Watson, the federation's chairman. "In all fairness the need exists because police officers have become concerned about their safety now more than ever."
Twelve policemen were killed last year, and two so far this year.
The inspector told The Gleaner that Michael Peart, State Minister for Finance, gave the undertaking on Wednesday that the Government would be providing four buses by as early as March 2002. "If the service is successful, it will be extended to other divisions," Insp. Watson said.
Several policemen and policewomen said they appreciate this latest gesture.
"It is a good idea, based on the fact that a lot of policemen and policewomen don't have private vehicles, hence they have to use the public transport system, and in light of the prevailing hostile climate in which a lot of police personnel are losing their lives, the transport system would, at least, ensure safe passage in some ways," a detective constable said.
A female constable said the proposed bus service should ensure better protection for cops who do not have vehicles.
"I think it's a good idea, because a lot of time you have [court] cases and you are left on your own to find your way to and from work," she said. "And sometimes you run into some of these criminals on the buses and you are unarmed and are left to the mercies of God".
The Jamaica Information Service reported yesterday that the Government and the Police Federation had agreed to roll into basic salary, special, ceremonial dress and washing allowances, which are in keeping with the Government's policy of rationalising pay structures, and reducing the number of allowances existing in the public service.
