By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter 
Members of the Island Special Constabulary Force participate in its annual commandant's parade, held at Harman Barracks, Up Park Camp, recently. The Jamaica Constabulary Force is moving to clear a backlog of cases against some 400 cops. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
THE POLICE is moving swiftly to clear a backlog of cases against some 400 cops who have been charged with internal breaches. Many of these men have been suspended or interdicted, seen significant salary cuts and blacklisted with regard to promotion.
"I think they are over 400 files," Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas told The Sunday Gleaner.
The commissioner has instructed a team of high-ranking officers to begin reviewing case files relating to internal charges against the members.
OFFICERS FRUSTRATED
Speaking with The Gleaner on Wednesday, Mr. Thomas said some of the rank and file officers were frustrated because they had been languishing for some time and unable to sit exams for promotion.
Assistant Commissioner Keith Gardener is the officer who has been mandated to conduct the review regarding the disciplinary proceedings within the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He will be assisted by the head of the Bureau of Special Investigation (BSI), Acting Assistant Commissioner Granville Gause.
According to Mr. Gause, the review of these files will have to be fast-tracked. The Sunday Gleaner understands that among the files being reviewed are that of rank and file officers, who the director of public prosecutions (DPP) ruled to be charged departmentally or those who have been implicated in acts of misconduct or disciplinary breaches.
The Sunday Gleaner understands that the central executive of the Police Federation, is in the process of discussing the commissioner's decision, to have the backlog of files reviewed.
SLOW PACE
Reacting to the effort, Opposition spokesman on national security, Derrick Smith, said the commissioner's intention is commendable, but historically, the practice of having police investigating police always moves at a snail's pace.
Mr. Smith further said that if the same system continues to exist, then the commissioner's wish would be difficult. Human rights activist Dr. Carolyn Gomes told The Gleaner that she agreed that police officers on departmental charges should have their cases dealt with in an efficient and speedy manner.
"Justice must not be delayed because justice delayed is justice denied. What I would like to know is, are these police officers on suspension or interdiction, collecting taxpayers money?" queried Dr. Gomes.
