By Claude Mills, Staff Reporter
Forbes
POLYGRAPH TESTS will soon be introduced to screen applicants hoping to fill key sensitive positions within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in a bid to stem charges of corruption besieging the force.
Commissioner of Police Francis Forbes made the announcement yesterday as he addressed the graduation ceremony of 119 constables at the police Academy, Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.
"We intend to remove every corrupt cop, one by one, until a firm and unequivocal message is sent that the JCF is not a comfortable place for rogue
cops," he said to loud applause from the gathering.
In a tough-talking address that focused on corruption in the JCF, the Commissioner revealed aspects of a soon-to-be-implemented anti-corruption strategy for the force that will involve the use of polygraph tests.
"I intend to introduce a series of integrity tests, including polygraph tests, for those wish to be promoted to certain ranks within the JCF or to be selected to sensitive areas that are prone to corrupt activities," he stated.
"I am awaiting the arrival of a software that will make it difficult to remove data from the traffic ticketing system or tamper with supporting records. I have a message for every police officer whether you are taking a $500 bill not to write a ticket or you are engaged in more sophisticated methods of corruption - your time is up.
The Commissioner re-emphasised the importance of community-based policing to build a relationship with the public and delivered sparkling epithets like 'a corrupt police force cannot fight crime'.
"When the police shoot innocent people, it is the criminal that wins as even decent law-abiding Jamaicans begin to view us with suspicion, doubt and mistrust."
He praised the work of Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Granville Gauze who is head of the Bureau of Special Investigation.
"Since taking up office less than three months ago, he and his team have been completing their investigations in record time. I intend to give him at least two additional senior investigators so that the office can improve on its excellent turnaround time," said the Commissioner.
The Commissioner waxed poetic as he warned the graduands of the dangers that lurk in the day-to-day existence of the average policeman.
"You walk with death every day when you do this job. It is the price you pay to bring peace to the troubled land of Jamaica. And when you die there are no demonstrations, no one to light a candle for you, no chorus of condemnation," he intoned to generous applause.
He, however, urged them to persevere because nothing of lasting value is built without sacrifice.
"There will be difficult days but we are resilient and in the end, we must give the Jamaican people the gift of peace," the Commissioner said.
