Nagra Plunkett, Staff Reporter
Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas (right) smiles as he presents Det. Sgt. Alstead Harris of the National Stadium CIB with a plaque, at the Police Federation's 63rd annual conference at the Starfish Resort in Trelawny on Thursday. Det. Sgt. Harris received the award for outstanding and invaluable contribution to the federation for over 25 years. The three-day conference ended yesterday. - PHOTO BY NOEL THOMPSON
WESTERN BUREAU:
COMMISSONER OF Police, Lucius Thomas, says the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), has been severely hampered by a lack of resources despite making inroads in the fight against crime.
"I have reached the point as the commissioner of police where I have to forcibly state my disenchantment with the level of resources at our command," he told rank-and-file members attending the final day of the Jamaica Police Federation's conference yesterday.
He continued: "We are not ungrateful, but the simple truth is that we need more resources to do our jobs efficiently and I am making this strong public appeal to the powers that be, to equip the force".
MORE THAN UPGRADE
According to Mr. Thomas, he is mindful that the Government has acquired the Ibis ballistic machine and the digital finger printing system.
He also pointed to plans to upgrade the JCF's telecommu-nication system and refurbishing of police stations.
"We are thankful for these upgrades and new systems, but we need vehicles, more bullet proof vests, more helmets, and yes more guns. We should not be lagging behind the criminal sophistication and fire power (of the criminals)," Mr. Thomas stated.
He cited the recent incident in Montego Bay in which Delano 'Bigga Prime' Williams, who headed the St. James police most wanted list, reportedly engaged the police in a shoot-out and was killed. An M16 A2 rifle was recovered from him.
LOBBYING FOR LAWS
He noted too that civil society could help the police by lobbying for the enactment of certain laws, such as the Proceeds of Crime Act.
"This is a crucial piece of legislation which we need as a tool in the fight against crime. The state must do its part by providing the required legislative framework, the required human technological and other material resources and appropriate remuneration to empower and motivate the police to do a good job," Thomas added.
