KINGSTON – NEWLY installed Commissioner of Police Dr Carl Williams says there will be no place in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), under his command, for corrupt cops and those who continue to violate human rights.
“I give you my personal commitment, that under my watch, the JCF will act decisively to remove any member who has chosen the path of corruption,” Dr Williams said to rousing applause from an audience of officials, well-wishers, and the large contingent of rank-and-file officers attending the change of command ceremony held yesterday at the Police Officers’ Club on Hope Road, St Andrew.
With the usual spectacular parade and formalities out the way, Williams – the country’s 28th commissioner of police – wasted no time giving the assurance that, as head of the JCF, he will do everything possible to respond to concerns about the conduct of the police.
Dr Williams, at the same time, said the reorganised Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Task Force will strengthen the police’s ability to root out and prosecute those who undermine the mission of the security forces and who tarnish the reputation of the JCF.
“We will ensure that there is accountability at all levels in the JCF, and our police officers will be held to the highest standards of integrity,” he said, again to applause from the audience.
Dr Williams, while commending the hard-working men and women of the JCF, also made it clear that communities must come to rely on the police as protectors of their rights. This, he insisted, was the only basis upon which respect and mutual trust between the Jamaicans and the police can be built.
Even as he admitted that the job of police commissioner was not one for the faint-hearted, he pledged to ensure that no one would be above the law as it seeks to protect everyone, regardless of social standing. (Jamaica Observer)
