Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

Six to eight international police officers (IPO) are expected in the island within a week to be interviewed for the rank of assistant commissioner of police to head the Internal Affairs/Anti-Corruption Division.

Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas said the majority of officers within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were good cops and he would not allow the few corrupt officers to mar its integrity.

Commissioner Thomas disclosed the information at a press conference held recently at the Police Officers' Club on Hope Road in St. Andrew.

"I can further state that we are doing our best to rid the JCF of miscreants who continue to hurt our good name," he said.

Promised investigation

Commissioner Thomas outlined that during 2006, the Professional Standards Branch (PSB) investigated a total of 168 cases of corruption. Of the 168 reports, 67 case files were completed, with 101 still under investigation. Sixty persons, 58 police personnel and two civilians, were arrested for various corruption breaches.

"Don't be afraid, you have my word that the incidents reported will be investigated by the PSB. Come forward and take a stand, help us to find those policemen and women who are corrupt," Commissioner Thomas urged.

The new recruitment forms part of efforts by the JCF hierarchy to bolster measures to identify and weed out corrupt police personnel from the JCF, as well as to improve its image.

If an IPO is accepted, this would bring to five, the number of foreign officers working within the JCF.

Foreign nationals currently working in the JCF are ACP Les Green, who heads the Organised and Serious Crime unit; ACP John McLean, in charge of community safety and security; ACP Paul Robinson, who heads firearm training and coastal security; and Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields who is in charge of crime.