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Stabroek News

In the line of duty
published: Saturday | October 20, 2007


Heather Robinson

Do you remember where you were born? Do you know where you were born? Can you find the place where you were born? Do you take pride in telling everyone about this special place in your life?

Grange Hill, Westmoreland is my place of birth, and the house where I was born was in front of the police station. Policemen in those days were respected individuals and never a bad word was said about them.

Five decades later in Jamaica, things have changed significantly. Hardly a day passes that one does not hear stories of rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) attempting to 'shake down' motorists.

On Wednesday, I was told by a female motorist that she was stopped on her way home after she had done a manicure. Her fingers were not fully dried and so she explained that she would be unable to extricate her driver's licence from her purse.

empty purse

The officer obliged by removing it for her. Her insurance and licence were in good condition, but alas her fitness certificate had expired a few weeks ago. She pleaded for him to exercise his discretion, and he agreed. But the story did not end there as she was asked if she had anything to give him. She pointed him to her purse, which he had seen was quite empty. It was only after this reminder that she was allowed to go home to her children.

There are many variations of this story that are told daily. Some end with the exchange of blue and pink notes, and others end with the motorist proceeding to the Office of Professional Responsibility or the Bureau of Special Investigation. What is clear in all of these stories is that the force is being brought into disrepute on a daily basis by rank and file members.

The image of the JCF has been tarnished by those who continue to shake down motorists, while senior officers are blamed for poor supervision of these members. There are times when individuals who have had good experiences with police officers are so shocked that they feel obliged to write a letter to the editor, or call a call-in radio programme. What should be regarded as normal behaviour is viewed by the majority of us as being abnormal.

Lucius Thomas, the Commissioner of Police, indicated last week his intention to retire. This has meant that a new commissioner has to be appointed. Jamaica must thank him for his years of service and especially for his 33 months as commissioner. Come November 1, he will be a new human being, and in a few weeks when we see him we will not recognise him.

untarnished records

In choosing his replacement, the Police Service Commission must pay attention to the antecedents of all applicants. Young constables must want to emulate the (good) personal life and career path of the successful applicant. Therefore, his or her record should be untarnished, and attention must be paid to those offences that were not committed in the line of duty.

Offences committed in one's personal life should automatically disqualify such an applicant. Our new commissioner does not need to have a whispering campaign launched on him or her even before taking office. Jamaicans have good memories and, whereas, some of us are sympathetic when officers are charged for even murder, we are totally intolerant of offences or actions taken while off duty.

My new commissioner must be someone who can raise the level of discipline in the force. Past and current actions must determine who is selected. Some persons should never contemplate applying, and should instead give thanks for still being allowed to serve.

Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and former Member of Parliament.


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