Lucius Thomas, Commissioner of Police (right), listen to Rev. Valentine Wallace of the Jericho Baptist Church in Linstead, St. Catherine, yesterday during their 'Badge Day' service at the church. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine:

Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas said yesterday that changes are coming for the way district constables do their work at present.

He said the role and function of the district constables are under review.

Commissioner Thomas said he expects the review to be completed by April. He said also that the intention is to relieve district constables of their present functions in police guard rooms and to deploy them in communities. In this way, he explained, there would be a greater link between the police and communities.

When the district constables are returned to their respective communities, the police force will seek at that time to increase its cadre from the present 8,500 to 10,000. Concerning pensions and other entitlements due district constables, Mr. Thomas said such matters would be addressed by the Ministry of Finance and Planning.

- R.T.