The practice of police personnel owning and operating public-transportation vehicles is cause for concern and is something that the relevant authorities need to look into very seriously. The practice is posing a conflict of interest for our policemen and women and, therefore, has unethical implications.

The fact that this practice has been allowed to continue for years, without the relevant authorities taking the necessary steps to put an end to its existence, is quite unbelievable and speaks volumes about the level of ethics - or more accurately, the lack thereof, that exists in the police force and in the country as a whole.

It is no secret that police personnel own several of the Coaster buses operating in Jamaica. Some of these buses are operated in stark contravention of the Road Traffic Act, as they do not possess the relevant documents required for them to be roadworthy. That is, they are not licensed or insured to be operating as public-passenger vehicles.

reckless driving

The drivers employed to drive these buses oftentimes do not hold a valid driver's licence, as these individuals were either, never issued with one, or the one issued has since been suspended. A number of the drivers of these buses, because of their reckless driving, are often involved in several traffic accidents, where the compensation for the damage done to the vehicles of other motorists on the road is usually never readily forthcoming and oftentimes never paid.

A reform of the Jamaica Constabulary Force can in no way be complete without a comprehensive analysis of the moonlighting phenomenon, and the impact it has on the judgement of our police personnel. I am, therefore, imploring the national security minister or the police commissioner - whomever has oversight responsibility - to look into this matter and to take the most appropriate action that is necessary in the public's interest.

I am, etc.,

A. GENIUS

aldrane.genius@gmail.com