THE POLICE High Command intends to introduce contents of the Code of Conduct for Police and Citizens into the syllabus of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
This, according to Deputy Commis-sioner Lucius Thomas, who was speaking yesterday during the launch of the revised edition of the Code of Conduct at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce's (JCC) Duke Street, downtown Kingston headquarters.
The move is reportedly aimed at familiarising police personnel often buffeted by charges of human rights abuses and excesses from international and human rights groups - with the rights of citizens.
Sergeant David White, chairman of the Police Federation, supported the move. "The police must now understand that the people are now aware of their rights as citizens, therefore, it must be respected," he said.
Sameer Younis, chairman of the JCC's Civic Affairs/Inner-city Development Committee, wants to sell the idea to Minister of Education Maxine Henry-Wilson. The intent is for the Code of Conduct to become part of the curriculum in educational institutions, at the primary and secondary levels.
"It must be remembered that all our citizens, including our future policemen, are going through school now, and this would be a critical and important exposure to knowledge that will shape their relationships in the future," said Mr. Younis.
Opposition Spokesman on Justice, Delroy Chuck, stressed that if every citizen and police officer abide by the rules of the Code, then the work of the Police Public Complaints Authority would be unnecessary.
National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, who also spoke at the function, said the rights of everyone must be treated with respect by every single member of the Police Force.
