- RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Commissioner Lucius Thomas (right), with Assistant Commissioner Clarence Taylor during the launch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Corporate Plan 2005-2008.
POLICE COMMISSIONER Lucius Thomas addressed issues such as Jamaica's frightening homicide rate and corruption in the police force during a recent interview with Senior Crime Reporter, Glenroy Sinclair.
Q. How do you plan to reduce the high homicide rate in Jamaica?
A. I have already started by identifying the police divisions which contributed to 50 per cent of the country's high murder rate last year. We have increased resources and personnel in these areas. We have also been using the Operation Kingfish concept in the troubled areas, using some of our best detectives to assist us with intelligence.
We continue to improve on our investigative skills, focusing more on forensic investigations and the intelligence available.
Q. Do you have a shopping list?
A. I don't really have a shopping list, but there are some vital pieces of forensic machines that we need. These include the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) machine, which would have replaced the Drugfire Machine. There is also the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to assist us with managing fingerprints. We also need more safety gears for our officers and better accommodation.
Q. How do you plan to build back public confidence in the police force?
A. I have already started by visiting some schools, talking with the students. I have also visited several communities and spoken with the residents. We have invited citizen's and social groups to come on board with us. Recently, I installed the anti-corruption hotline where people can call and tell us about police personnel who are involved in corruption.
Q. What are your plans for unproductive cops?
A. The Professional Standard Branch is expected to come on stream in the second quarter of this year. Part of its mandate is to audit the police force and the staff.
Q.Will police personnel, suspected to be involved in acts of corruption, be allowed to play an integral part of the police force?
A. I am a believer in natural justice and a man is innocent until proven guilty. The Professional Standard Branch should address a number of these problems.
