Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

Superintendent Harry 'Bungles' Daley. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer

One of the island's best-known crime fighters, Super-intendent Harry Daley, spent last night behind bars at the Horizon Remand Centre and could spend many more days in custody if he is found guilty of corruption charges.

Daley, dubbed 'Bungles' on the streets, was taken into custody yesterday and charged with breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act.

He was taken to the Horizon facility where he spent the night being guarded by a team of soldiers.

Since the start of this year when a major clampdown began, more than 50 members of the force have been charged with breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act.

But Daley, a tough street cop who made his reputation in problem areas such as west Kingston and Spanish Town, St Catherine, is the most senior.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), members of the Anti-Corruption Branch conducted a covert sting operation in downtown Kingston yesterday and arrested Daley.

However, CCN did not provide any details of the operation or the actions which led to Daley's arrest.

CCN reported that the head of the Anti-Corruption Branch, Assistant Commissioner Justin Felice, has said the investigation was ongoing and no further comment would be made.

Felice was equally terse when he spoke with The Gleaner, refusing to add anything to the two-paragraph release from the communication unit.

Receiving marked money

But sources close to the investigation claim Daley was held after he was seen receiving money which had been marked and recorded by the police yesterday.

This did not seem to impress his attorney, Valerie Neita-Robertson, who argued that there was a grand set-up.

Neita-Robertson expressed concern about the treatment being meted out to her client, who is a senior member of the police force. She said up to late yesterday, she was still trying to find out the allegations against Daley.

"We are really concerned that we don't know what the allegations are against our client and I am even more concerned about it because a statement was issued to the media by ACP Felice even before we had been told what the matter is about," she said.

Head of the Police Officers' Association, Superintendent Michael James, was cautious with his comments.

James said the association, which represents members of the force above the rank of inspector, was awaiting additional information on the arrest of one of its members.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com