Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter
Ziadie
Jamaica's police force must evolve and be armed with the latest technology to effectively fight organised crime, Ferris Ziadie, head of a police civic committee, told congregants yesterday at a memorial service honouring cops who have been slain this year.
"At this time, organised crime has the latest technology at its disposal. As such, we need to arm our police with the latest technology and give them advanced training in modern policing," he said.
Ziadie, chairman of the Area Four Police Civic Committee, while lauding the force for success in its 140-year history, acknowledged that the war on crime was far from over.
Noting that the Jamaica in which the police now operate was very different from the society in 1867, Ziadie called for a wind of change to blow through the force.
"The world is evolving, so the organisation also needs to evolve," he added.
Moment of silence
At yesterday's service, members of the constabulary bowed their heads and raised their hands to the heavens as they dedicated a moment of silence in memory of at least 16 police officers who have been killed since January.
The policemen and women of the Area Four police were gathered at the Holy Cross Church, Half-Way Tree Road, in recognition of the JCF's 140th anniversary.
Several of their colleagues assembled at different locations across the island for the Annual Commemorative and Memorial Church Service, held under the theme 'Celebrating the Legacy: Responding to the Times'.
Yesterday's commemorative service ended with a grand march past along Half-Way Tree Road by members of the JCF.
Slain cops since January
Const. Ralston Ebanks - January 2
Sgt. Huan Genus - January 2
Cpl. Scarlett Biggs - January 5
Special Cpl. Charles Gordon - January 16
District Const. Luke Rhodes - January 23
Cpl. Dave Daley - February 12
Const. Richard Alexander - March 27
Const. Mark Haughton - April 9
Special Const. Joslyn Francis - May 26
Sgt. Cleveland Wilson - July 31
Special Cpl. Gareth Smith - August 29
Sgt. Everton Brown - September 7
Const. Richard King - Sept. 30
Const. Fidel Beckford - Oct. 28
Const. Carnel Lewis - Nov. 11
Const. Richard Harrison - Nov. 19
