Felice

The assistant commissioner of police in charge of the Anti-Corruption Branch, Justin Felice, says 24 members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have been arrested and charged with breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act since the start of the year.

For the corresponding period last year, four members of the force were arrested on similar charges.

Although the drive by the Police High Command to crack down on corrupt cops is enjoying some success, the man leading the initiative is not yet ready to pat himself on the back.

several factors

ACP Felice told The Gleaner that the increase in the number of cops arrested and charged reflects a combination of several factors. These include the confidence of the public to report instances where members of the force break the law, and a proactive approach by his investigators to arrest their corrupt colleagues.

He also pointed to the commitment of Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin to rid the force of corrupt members.

"We will not become complacent; this is just the start of a long process," he said.

The ACP, who joined the force last September, wants his achievements to be judged in two years by which time his drive to rid the force of corrupt cops should have been fully implemented.

However, just months into his tenure, head of Families Against State Terrorism, Yvonne McCalla Sobers, is impressed by the work of the Anti-Corruption Branch.

"This is sending a message that the force is not tolerant of corruption," McCalla Sobers said.

"What we want to see is a similar message when members of the force infringe on human rights."

McCalla Sobers is also mindful that none of the cops charged since the start of the year has yet been convicted.

"We now need to see if the police have the evidence that will lead to convictions."

No member of the force above the rank of sergeant has been charged since the start of the year.

Latest police arrests for corruption

Detective Sergeant Nowel Morgan of the Ocho Rios Criminal Investigation Branch.

Sergeant Patrick Williams charged for demanding and accepting bribes.

Corporal Ronald Burke and Constable Lennox Riley of the Franklyn Town police.

Corporal Sylvester Thaxter and Constable Kevin Whyte of the Black River Police Station.

Corporal Noel Ford of the Santa Cruz police, arrested for accepting a bribe from a motorist.

Constable Omar Gordon is accused of kidnapping a St James resident.

Report corrupt cops

CALL: The Anti-Corruption Branch 926-9579