THE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ with much interest the Letter of the Day in your publication of Tuesday, May 16, 2006 captioned "Deployment of police 'Specials' needs review".
The writer, Mr. Seymour Chevannes, a former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force previously assigned to the Constabulary Communication Network who recently resigned, in his letter is asking that the powers-that-be review the relevance of the Island Special Constabulary Force and that we should be answerable to the Jamaica Constabulary Force. In 2002, the Executive "Cabinet' reviewed the role of the Island Special Constabulary Force giving us the responsibility to deal with public order, environmental breaches, municipal breaches, to name a few.
CLEANING OF DOWNTOWN KINGSTON
Since then until now, we have boasted a wonderful record. We started cleaning Downtown Kingston of the eyesore of sidewalk vending causing a number of persons who would previously not think of going Downtown to return. In all of this, there was the unfortunate killing of a schoolboy, the Special Constable involved was charged and was acquitted. The cleaning exercise was replicated through most parish capitals and town centres. We have recovered a number of firearms without any unwarranted killing.
It should however be noted that most times when our efforts are commendable, we are referred to as Police. If it is negative, then we are called our proper legal name 'Special Constables". Our record of detecting traffic breaches is beyond reproof with few breaches of the Corruption Act which we as an association and management constantly preach against and do not condone.
The Island Special Constabulary Force now is one of the best managed organisations in Jamaica so much so that a number of U.W.I graduates are applying to join. The Commandant through statute is answerable to the Commissioner of Police. Gone are the days when Special Constables would go to a station and ask a Corporal for a day's work and might be favoured if he is one who is a 'send-out boy'. Some of our present crop of top crime fighters eg. Asst. Commissioner Mr. Donald Pusey, and Granville Gause, to name a few, are former members of this noble organisation.
Training cannot be too much and any additional training we welcome. Of the incident the writer referred to, I will not comment as the matter is under investigation and I will not join in a media trial but await the investigation. Mr. Seymour Chevannes' thinking represents the past and should not be encouraged. Members of the Island Constabulary Force are upset and will not be sidetracked by some of these negative comments, but will continue to make the Commandant, Commissioner of Police, the Government and people of Jamaica safe.
I am, etc.,
CHRISTOPHER BOWEN
Chairman
Special Constabulary Force Association
