Justin Felice is right about the need for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to utilise a broad range of methods, including polygraph tests, to root out corruption from the force.

And we like the fact that the process is becoming more rigorous at the entry point. Prospective police officers are not only required to undergo background scrutiny, but are required to subject themselves to these lie-detector examinations. This, of itself, does not mean that rogues won't pass through the sieve, but it becomes more likely that those with the potential for becoming bent cops will be identified early.

But as Mr Felice, the Briton who heads the JCF's new anti-corruption branch, has indicated, this effort at eliminating graft-taking and other forms of misbehaviour can't be a one-off activity. It demands continuous action and consistent vigilance.

This is why we support the plan, disclosed by Mr Felice, that polygraph testing and other forms of vetting are being stepped up. We are happy, too, that the constabulary has trained members to administer the lie-detector tests.

It is appreciated, of course, that polygraph testing is not a foolproof method of determining whether someone is being truthful, but is sufficiently accurate in measuring certain critical physiological changes of people under stress to be a good guide as to when people are lying.

Moreover, the fact that people know that they may be subject to such tests could prove to be a deterrent to illegal and/or unethical behaviour. Therein lies our problem with Mr Felice's statement that polygraph testing will not be random in the police force, but is to be used "if someone is suspected of criminal acts", or for testing in matters "of an internal security nature". In the latter case, as we understand it, cops being assigned to particularly sensitive posts or those selected to some assignments will be tested.

Our position is that all cops, at random intervals, should be subject to polygraph tests. Indeed, this should be a condition of employment to the JCF. The same principle should apply to cops as the use of polygraphs on athletes in doping tests. Similarly, we would expect that an attuned, vigilant and aggressive anti-corruption branch to be looking into the financial dealings of cops whose lifestyles and assets do not match their known incomes.

The Police Federation has said it does not object to polygraph testing once it is done within "policy guidelines". The policy should be that these tests are done - randomly. And there should be avenues for appeal if cops 'fail' the tests.