More citizens rights education for cops

Knight

THE POLICE Federation will be embarking on a series of lectures to further educate the police on the rights of citizens.

"This is one area the Federation will be looking at, because there are still some policemen who are using excessive force against members of the public," says newly-elected chairman, Inspector Neville Knight.

Inspector Knight says he plans to tackle the high incidents of the use of physical force by some policemen.

His proposal comes against the background of harsh criticisms in recent times by members of the public, based on reports of excessive use of force by the lawmen, especially against residents of inner-city communities.

Last April, Police Commis-sioner Francis Forbes endorsed a plan by the Inner-city Committee of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce to launch the Police-Citizens Code of Conduct, a booklet which informs both parties about their rights.

Inspector Knight has also listed among his priorities, improvement in the working conditions at some police stations and a reduction in the long working hours of the rank and file, which the Federation represents.

Pointing to the situation at the Trench Town Police Station in South St. Andrew, the Police Federation chairman said: "I don't know how to describe the condition there, because it is far below deplorable."

Inspector Knight also referred to the lack of office furniture and other facilities at some police stations.

"The working hours for police are atrocious. Some policemen are working 12-14 hours per day. We need to have a 40-hour work week," said Inspector Knight. He stressed that rank and file members need to work as a team.

The Inspector who enlisted in the police force 18 years ago, took over the reigns of the Police Federation on May 30, 2001, during a two-day conference at the Chatwick Gardens, Montego Bay, St. James.

The executive body also includes Inspector Handel Morgan, director for area one and two, Detective Sergeant Bunny Pennycooke, director for area three and five and Public Relations Officer Corporal Steve Brown, who is the new General Secretary.

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