THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE COMMISSIONER of police recently revised the dress code for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The previous code, which was revised by former Commissioner Lucius Thomas, had allowed female officers to wear light make-up, fingernail tips with pale colours, earrings, wigs and braids, with all these allowances being governed by clauses relating to colour and size. Locks were completely eliminated from this dress code.

Some of the women of the JCF went overboard, taking their new-found allowances to different levels with no regard for the clauses mentioned. Supervisors did nothing to enforce the rules and oftentimes female officers in supervisory capacities were those breaking them.

This, in my opinion, is what has led to the present commissioner rescinding all but a few of these allowances.

The new dress code takes effect on November 1, 2010. There is a female officer in the JCF who sports 'sister locks'. This hairstyle has never been part of the dress code in the JCF. She returned to Jamaica earlier this year after representing the country and her organisation in an official capacity for some time abroad. The length of her locks suggest that she was wearing this hairstyle before returning to Jamaica. Does the rules of the JCF still governs its members when they are representing the organisation outside of the country?

Bad example

Up to this date, this senior officer is still sporting this hairstlye, which is a bad example to juniors officers, many of whom are wondering if this individual is exempted from the rules of the dress code that governs all members of the JCF.

This letter might seem trivial, but I am highlighting the fact that until those in the JCF in leadership positions start acting in a manner that befits their positions and set examples for those they command, indiscipline will always be a monster that they have to fight. After all, rules govern everyone, not just lower ranks.

I am, etc.,

Suzette Blair

suzette_blair@yahoo.com

Clarendon