Councillor raises alarm over confusion involving police uniforms
Published:Monday | April 21, 2025 | 12:11 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
Waterford Division Councillor Fenley Douglas is urging the government to reintroduce a distinct and protected uniform for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), amid what he claims is growing public confusion caused by the widespread use of blue denim attire by multiple agencies.
Speaking at last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation, Douglas highlighted the increasing difficulty citizens face in distinguishing between police personnel and other uniformed groups who also wear blue denim.
“Too many other agencies of government are wearing similar uniforms, and this has put members of the public in a position where they are unable to differentiate. This is an ingredient for disaster,” Douglas warned.
He argued that, unlike the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), whose uniform is protected by law, the police force’s uniform is not, resulting in widespread replication and confusion. “We are having a conflict. The JDF uniform is protected by law, the police uniform is not, and, as such, we the citizens are having a serious problem to know who are the real police officers,” he said.
Douglas recalled when police personnel could be easily identified by a uniform similar to firefighters’, differentiated by a red seam along their pants. Now, he says, the only visible distinction for many is the word “police” printed on a sleeve, if at all.
He also expressed concern about the use of face coverings by police personnel during routine interactions with civilians. Sharing a personal experience, Douglas recounted a traffic stop in which the policeman was wearing a mask, causing distress to his child who was in the vehicle.
“It is hard to explain why a police officer conducting a traffic stop should be wearing a mask and a scarf,” he said.
While he acknowledged that certain operations might require anonymity, Douglas questioned the appropriateness of such gear in everyday public engagements, especially as citizens are being asked to cooperate and partner with the police.
He is calling for the police high command to issue clear guidelines and take immediate steps to resolve the growing uniform confusion to restore public trust and safety.