Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Opposition spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith, has issued an appeal to the police to adopt a professional posture in the upcoming general elections and not to take sides with either of the two political parties.

Speaking on Wednesday's first day of the two-day Jamaica Police Federation's 64th annual conference at the Starfish Hotel in Trelawny, Mr. Smith said the police should stick to their core duties as law enforcers and leave politics to politicians.

"We are asking the police to be police and not politicians," said Mr. Smith. "We are appealing to you to keep your objectivity and to do your job as police and only as police."

Reject the insinuation

Mr. Smith went on to implore the police to reject the insinuation that a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government would not be good for them, and that they would be likely to experience retribution as a result of past incidents between the party and the police.

"A JLP government will not be one of retribution," promised Mr. Smith, who noted that addressing crime and violence will be the party's number one priority, should they form the next government. "We will leave what is to be done (by the police) to the Police Commissioner, the Police Services Commission and to almighty God."

In terms of the improvements the police are likely to experience under a JLP administration, Mr. Smith said the party has already met with the leadership of the federation and, after dialogue, they have given them a commitment to address some of the most pressing concerns.

"We have given a commitment to address pressing concerns, such as a 40-hour work week," said Mr. Smith. "We will be seeking to improve the general working condition in terms of accommodation and mobility among other areas of concern."

In terms of creating the right climate to support effective policing, Mr. Smith said a JLP government would seek to address areas such as unemployment, and limiting the power of political activists and persons who are seeking to operate above the law.

He said: "No one will be above the law; no dons, no area leaders, no politicians and no policeman or woman, regardless of the ranks."

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com