Parting shot - Les Green urges Gov't to give more support to police

Arthur Hall, Senior News Editor

FORMER ASSISTANT Commissioner of Police Les Green has left the island with a parting shot aimed at the political directorate.

Green, whose eight-year stint ended in Jamaica yesterday, said while he was satisfied with some of the improvements made by the police force during his time here, he left with some disappointment that more support had not been given to the cops.

According to Green, the Government needs to provide the police force with the financial and legislative support they need.

"I think we really need to properly invest in the forensics," Green said during an interview on Nationwide 90FM hours before he left the island.

"We keep talking about the DNA legislation and we all know how important it is in the investigation of a crime ... . Ever since 2004, we have been talking about DNA (legislation)," added Green.

He also argued that there needs to be amendments to the Finger Prints Act, fundamental changes to the Evidence Act, and major changes to the legislation governing the operations of the police force.

" ... We have very antiquated powers - especially of arrest and detention - and these need to be updated and put into modern practices."

National Security Minister Peter Bunting later told The Gleaner that while he could not give an update on the legislative changes suggested by Green, he is aware that work is being done on the bills.

"I am hopeful that during the course of this legislative year, those will be passed," said Bunting.

In the meantime, Green, who came to Jamaica in 2004 planning to spend two weeks helping to establish the Operation Kingfish task force, also wants urgent attention paid to how suspects are held in custody.

"Our lock-ups are seriously overcrowded. The police officers who have to work in them on a daily basis suffer as well as the prisoners … . There needs to be a proper treatment of the people we hold in custody."

The former British cop - who is credited with bringing about significant improvements to Jamaica's criminal investigations, particularly homicides, during his time in the force - is heading to France to spend his retirement years.