POLICE COMMISSIONER Lucius Thomas should rid the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) of its unproductive members, said Aubyn Hill, Air Jamaica's Chief Restructuring Officer."The commissioner will need to move swiftly, act resolutely and even radically to root out corruption and streamline the management of the force," said Mr. Hill. He was addressing the launch of the JCF's Corporate Strategy in Kingston on Tuesday.
"He will need to act now within his honeymoon period," he said. Within his first 90-180 days the commissioner will have to tackle the 'dead wood" and bad practices, or police officers will believe that he approved of them, Mr. Hill said.
"I recommend the radical and swift approach in dealing with the tough problems you face," the Air Jamaica executive said.
The new commissioner must set a tone of honesty and professionalism, watching those with whom he associates in order to set the right example, Mr. Hill said. He noted that the commissioner alone cannot change the force, and needs a similar commitment to honesty and integrity from his senior officers.
For the Corporate Strategy to work, Mr. Hill said Commissioner Thomas must implement continuing training of all officers and increased standards of integrity while making the police even more accessible to the public. He said there is also a need to make the processes for investigating complaints against police stronger and more transparent.
