Police High Command ponders large-scale transfers

THE POLICE High Command says it has not taken a final decision on transferring 75 personnel out of two stations in St Catherine.

Communications director for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Karl Angell, told
The Gleaner
yesterday that staffing at both the Old Harbour and Old Harbour Bay police stations is being reviewed.

Angell said on Wednesday that acting Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington received reports on analyses that was done in relation to possible reassignments.

"The Police High Command is currently assessing these reports and, as such, no final decision has been taken concerning the reassignment of police personnel within or outside the division," Angell said.

His comments came in response to reports circulating yesterday that the 75 policemen were to be transferred to seven stations within the South St Catherine Division.

No comment

When contacted, Spanish Town Mayor Dr Andrew Wheatley, who has been openly critical of the performance of the police in Old Harbour, would not comment.

"I will await the outcome of the review," Wheatley said.

The reports of a shake-up were enough to prompt the Police Federation to dispatch a team, led by chairman Sergeant Raymond Wilson, to the Old Harbour Police Station to meet with officers there.

In addition, some residents bearing placards took to the street to register their concern.