Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter
Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas (right) jokes with Leslie Green, assistant commissioner of police for serious and organised crime, the newest British recruit, during a press briefing at the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Hope Road, St. Andrew, headquarters yesterday. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
FORMER BRITISH detective, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields now has a compatriot within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Leslie Green, new assistant commissioner of police for homicide and serious crime, was introduced to the press yesterday afternoon at the JCF Hope Road headquarters.
He has, in fact, been on secondment and working behind the scenes since October 2004 as part of a Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard) team giving technical assistance to Operation Kingfish.
HOMICIDE TASK FORCE
ACP Green will report directly to DCP Shields and his responsibilities will include the soon-to-be-launched Homicide Task Force for Kingston and St. Andrew.
His appointment, one of four expatriate detectives to be appointed to that rank, has been partly funded by the British and Jamaican governments in partnership with the local private sector.
FINALISING CONTRACTS
According to Gilbert Scott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, the next officer "could arrive as early as the first of February and the others we have not discussed their starting date."
Mr. Scott has been responsible for the finalising of the contracts.
The Gleaner understands that concerns over terms of reference have so far delayed the officers' signing on the dotted line.
"I've been made welcome right from the beginning," said ACP Green of his experience so far. "I would like to thank the officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, as well as the officers from Kingfish ... I've had absolute total support right across the board."
OUTSIDE TALENT
ACP Green was formerly a detective superintendent with the Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard).
He was in charge of investigating all non-fatal shootings for Operation Trident, the unit responsible for investigating shootings within London's black community, focusing on drug-related crimes.
Announced last October, Mr. Scott said at the time that the strategy to recruit foreign officers was an "infusion of a body of outside talent from outside (which) will help to accelerate modernisation" of the JCF.
Vacant portfolios
Homicide and serious crime investigation.
Professional standards and anti-corruption investigation.
Operations and firearms.
Community policing and crime disorder partnerships.
