Thomas issues stern warning to underperforming and delinquent cops.
THIS IS the first time I will be celebrating Christmas with you as your Commissioner.
It is therefore significant for me, as a Christian, that as we approach this holy season, we are guided by the Christ child whose birth we celebrate and who came into this world to bring us cheer, peace and goodwill. Give and give generously to those in need. Help those who cannot help themselves and offer love to your families, friends and others. It will not go unnoticed.
OFFER SUPPORT AND SUCCOUR
This has been a difficult year for the police. Nineteen of our members were murdered, leaving families, friends and colleagues to mourn. In addition, 22 of our members died from natural causes. I urge you, in the spirit of Christmas, to reach out to the families of our colleagues who have died and offer support and succour. Let them know they are not forgotten. Probably the best way we can pay respect to the lives of those who have passed on is by continuing to display the highest levels of professionalism and service as we continue our work to rid this nation of crime and lawlessness.
I would like to express my profound thanks and gratitude to the hardworking and dedicated men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Island Special Constabulary Force and our rural police. I thank you all for your bravery, your steadfast commitment to the difficult task of policing and for your generous support since January when I took the oath as commissioner.
PROFESSIONAL AND EFFICIENT
I proudly note the gains that we have made as a force in our quest to become more professional and efficient:
* The establishment of the Professional Standards Branch.
* The development and launch of our Corporate Strategy for the period 2005-2008.
* The launch of the Anti-Corruption Plan.
* The implementation phase of the Safe School Programme.
* The appointment of a clnical psychologist.
* The improvement of training in road policing skills and traffic analysis which have positively impacted on road fatalities.
* The offering of 44 managerial courses and 31 in-service courses, in which 1342 members took part to develop their policing competence.
* The continued sensitising of members to the concept and philosophy of community-based policing.
* The introduction of the Internal Graduate Development Programme.
* The reintroduction of the Graduate Entry Programme.
We have dealt a major blow to the drug trade. We have also dismantled (and in some cases badly disrupted) some of the country's notorious gangs. There has been a qualitative improvement in our crime scene reporting and investigation techniques, we have improved in the area of preservation of evidence and our improved testing and forensic capabilities have made it easier to get convictions in the courts.
In addition, we have recovered 626 illegal firearms, 89 more than last year. Motor vehicle accidents are down by 13 per cent when compared to 2004. This has so far resulted in 35 fewer fatalities.
These are substantial gains we can all trumpet and be proud of as a force. Sadly, however, there are a few among us who continue to hurt us with their indifference to duty and by their involvement in corrupt activities. The modern police force, which I am building as your commis-sioner, has absolutely no room for those whose activities are no different from the criminals in our society.
STAND AGAINST CORRUPTION
I issue a stern warning to these delinquents - stop your evil deeds now or get out of the police force. I implore the good policemen and women to take a stand against corruption and wrongdoing. Make it known and take appropriate actions when necessary to ostracise those who are not maintaining the Force's rules and regulations. Don't hesitate to point out wrongdoers. They only tarnish our good name and we cannot allow that to happen.
We must all be proud to be members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and we must all work towards the full restoration of a cordial, respectful and courteous relationship with our fellow Jamaicans and this can only be achieved by gaining their trust and by respecting their rights as citizens of Jamaica.
