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Commissioner of Police, Lucius Thomas, after receiving the baton of leadership for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Behind Mr. Thomas is the former commissioner, Francis Forbes.
THE BUREAU for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in the United States has lauded the Jamaican Government's efforts to eradicate the illegal drug trade in this country.
According to a report released last week by the Washington, D.C.-based organisation, the INL also hailed the work of law enforcement officials for the capture of several major drug traffickers in 2004.
Describing the narcotics division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force as a 'competent and respected unit' the INL emphasised their work with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and lauded them for their investigations into Jamaican organisations involved in money laundering.
CORRUPTION
The report was not as complimentary when it came to corruption. It said not much is done to prosecute government officials who are involved in drug trafficking. The INL did not name any official or provide evidence of government involvement in narcotics activity. But it stated that the administration of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has not prosecuted any of its senior members for 'facilitating the illicit production or distribution of such substances, or the laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions'.
The INL suggested that the Jamaican Government make amendments to its wire tap legislation, a move it says would help significantly in the capture of drug traffickers and criminals.
It was also highly critical of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
The report notes: "The JCF conducts drug testing of recruits at their initial physical exam, but does not have a random drug testing policy. Vetting of special units is conducted but only on a voluntary basis due to strong resistance to mandatory vetting by the police union."
