Cops disciplined - 5 sergeants, 17 corporals dismissed from JCF

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FIVE sergeants and 17 corporals were among the 82 police officers dismissed from the Jamaica Constabulary Force last year with 15 other cases still pending, as the organisation seeks to reduce corruption and unprofessional behaviour among its members.

Additionally, some 14 sergeants and corporals were demoted, while 141 members, which included three inspectors with disciplinary cases, were re-enlisted for abbreviated periods.

"The standard re-enlistment period is five years, however, during disciplinary cases, the Commissioner of Police can reduce the period of enlistment," the Police High Command said in a statement yesterday.

According to the Police, some 31 members were fined pay days and 38 were reprimanded. It said the number of members refused re-enlistment as a result of court of enquiry convictions stood at 19, while 14 were demoted as a result.

One police sergeant was dismissed based on a judicial conviction. In the meantime, the case involving 13 officers who are to be retired in the public's interest is still pending. The overall number of disciplinary actions by the JCF in 2010 amounts to 397.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington in a follow-up statement, said the number of disciplinary cases actioned and the results of these cases is a clear indication that the police are robustly seeking to improve its professionalism, discipline and not letting up on ridding the force of corrupt members.

"The process of dealing with disciplinary matters is a long and tedious one, yet during 2010 we were able to deal with a significant number of cases. This will continue throughout 2011, as we move in the direction of enhancing our profes-sionalism, delivery of service to citizens and weeding out those among us who are corrupt," the commissioner said.

Commenting further on the results of disciplinary actions during 2010, Ellington said good and professional policemen and women have nothing to fear.

"Those members who perform their duties in a professional and disciplined manner and who stay away from the temptations of corruption will be rewarded and not targeted for disciplinary action. But, those who continue to sully the name of the organisation by their unprofessional and corrupt behaviour will be targeted and removed from the police force. I will not tolerate acts of unprofessionalism or any corrupt policeman or woman, whatever their rank in the police force," Ellington stated.

Ellington said that following the disciplinary actions taken in 2010, he was already noticing a difference in the performance of members.

"I believe that there is a strategic alignment between our strong internal disciplinary actions and the renewed professionalism of members and the improved operational results we have been having in the fight against crime. That is why I will continue to pursue those who would hurt and hamper this progress with behaviour which is inconsistent with a professional, disciplined and efficient police force. A well-disciplined and professional force will always perform and serve better," the commissioner said.