Head of the St. Andrew North Division, Deputy Superintendent Claude Samuels, holds photographs of two of the seven escapees for whom the police are offering $50,000 each for their recapture. The men escaped a month ago from the Constant Spring Police Station lock-up. - Norman Grindley /Staff Photographer SUB-OFFICERS FROM the St. Andrew North Police Division were warned yesterday that they should either shape up or ship out.
Deputy Superintendent Claude Samuels told sub-officers from across his division that it was his intention to see that they "pay dearly" in accordance with the regulations of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), if they fail to perform at the highest level of professionalism. His comments come against the background of last week's removal of two policemen from front-line duties and their transfer to other divisions following the fatal shooting of a seven-year-old boy in Lawrence Tavern, St. Andrew.
Police Commissioner Francis Forbes visited the area last week and spoke with the residents. Yesterday, DSP Samuels said the matter was being speedily investigated by the Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI).
"Sub-officers, the ride will be getting rough. All of you will have to take your responsibilities very seriously. It is time we give of our best to the public," he emphasised.
Pointing to the spate of crimes being committed in the division, the officer met with his 'Cabinet' yesterday to discuss new strategies to tackle the problems. DSP Samuels said the St. Andrew North Police would be offering $450,000 for information leading to the arrest of the division's most feared criminal, 20-year-old Norris Brown, alias 'Taliban', and seven prisoners who escaped from the Constant Police Station lock-up a month ago.
"A reward of $100,000 has been placed on the head of 'Taliban' while $50,000 is being offered for each of the seven prisoners who escaped custody. The reward is not only limited to civilians; if the police can assist us with the information, then they will be rewarded," the officer said.
He said the money was put up by residents and members of the business community of St. Andrew North.
Brown, a labourer of no fixed address, who frequents Trac Gate, Top Road, Clay Pole and Florence Hill districts of Lawrence Tavern and surrounding areas of rural St. Andrew, is wanted on several counts of murder, the police said.
Among the escapees are: Kevin Benjamin, 32, Orville Moncrieffe, 26, Troy McKenzie, 25, Donovan Watt, 23, Kemar Parkes, 17, Jermaine Currie, 21, Nigel Calder, 21. They were awaiting trial for charges ranging from murder, rape, illegal possession of firearm, robbery and possession of cocaine.
Call us now
Members of the public who have information regarding the escapees are asked to call the St. Andrew North Police at 925-7564 DSP Assan Thompson at 925-9068, DSP Wrenford Robinson 941-3195 or 931-1747.
