Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
THE TRAFFIC Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is asking the public to report police officers who are seen committing traffic offences or abusing their siren privileges.
Byron Powell, Deputy Superin-tendent of Police (DSP) in charge of administration at the Traffic Division, told The Gleaner this week that the JCF is very much interested in reining in the delinquent officers.
"It must stop. The administration at the Traffic Department, we frown on it," he said. DSP Powell argued that the abuse of the siren to avoid traffic congestion takes away the potency of the emergency device. "We think it should be sacred," he added.
Sgt. Dahlia Garrick, from the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), told The Gleaner that the citizenry has a responsibility to report what they deem to be cases of breaches or abuse.
"The police is not above the law ... he, too, can be prosecuted. Luckily, we don't have this happening very often," she said.
SIREN MUST BE RESPECTED
However, Sgt. Garrick reminded the public that the siren must be respected. "Once you hear the siren it is your duty to give way," she said.
DSP Powell is encouraging the public to call the Police Emergency Centre or the Professional Standards Branch and lodge complaints against the officers seen committing a traffic offence.
He said the public should make note of the licence plate number of the car and the time of day the incident occurred.
As it relates to the use of the siren, DSP Powell said that all occasions that warrant the use of the emergency instrument must receive clearance from the Control Room. He said its use must be reported prior to its activation. Therefore, it would not be difficult to ascertain if it is being abused.
Corporal Raymond Wilson, chairman of the Police Federation which represents rank and file policemen and women, was mum on the matter. Corporal Wilson told The Gleaner that he could not comment until he has gathered some more information.
The Professional Standards Branch can be contacted at 924-9057 and the
Police Emergency Centre at 119.
