MORE THAN 2,000 rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) stayed off the job yesterday to press the Government for an increase in salary and fringe benefits.
Contacted yesterday, general secretary of the Police Federation, Corporal Hartley Stewart, said Dr. Omar Davies, the Minister of Finance and Planning, has since requested a meeting with the Central Executive of the Police Federation. The meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday.
However, up to late yesterday afternoon, word from some delegates of the Police Federation was that the situation was likely to be intensified last night into this morning.
"My concern is what will happen on the 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. shift," commented one
commanding officer of a Corporate Area division.
PATROLS STILL OUT
Head of the troubled Kingston West Division, Superintendent Delroy Hewitt, said at least 14 persons did not turn up for work. Despite this, however, his patrols were still out and the stations were being manned.
About 40 rank-and-file officers failed to show up for duty in the St. Catherine South Division. This was confirmed by Supt. Terrence Bent, who said he had contingency plans in place.
Over in St. Elizabeth, Supt. Maurice Robinson said 12 members of his staff called in sick, but it did not affect the safe custody of prisoners, patrols and public order. Reports are personnel from Black River, Nain and Junction stations took part in the sickout.
The St. Andrew Central Division, which covers the commercial district of Half-Way Tree and Constant Spring Road, was not affected. According to Senior Superintendent George Quallo, only one person was unaccounted for.
In the Area One Police Division, which includes the parishes of Trelawny, St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland, Senior Superintendent Jasmine Tomlinson-Brown, who is second in charge, said she had received no reports of strike action.
In Parliament yesterday, Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Derrick Smith, urged the Government to accelerate negotiations of the claim made by police.
