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Rebuilding competence in the police force
Ken Chaplin
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Public anxiety on some matters concerning the Jamaica Constabulary Force took me to the office of Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas recently.
Ken Chaplin
These related to what caused the apparent deterioration in the capability of some senior officers to the extent that the government has to be hiring officers from Britain and how long they will remain in the job in Jamaica.
The situation where every Tom, Dick and Harry in the officer corps is making statements on policy; and control of firearms seized which are kept in the JCF's armoury so that policemen could not "borrow" any of these guns and plant it on the body of a man or an accused.
The discussions were frank as we know each other well, having worked together for many years some time go. He as the head of Special Branch when it was the elite unit and I as a former director of information for the force.
A focal point of the discussions was the need to employ officers from abroad. It is felt by many people prior to the arrival of these officers that there were capable Jamaican officers at the top, but management of them was uninspiring. They were moved around too frequently and hardly had time to build up their capability and competence on the job.
Others had too many outside interests. However, the biggest deficiency was lack of up-to-date technology, especially in forensic science equipment. The deficiency is being eliminated, but the question being is asked why government took so long to provide the police force with critical resources, while it squandered state funds in other areas.
There were other matters like conditions of work, accommodation and poor mobility which were impediments to competence. Of course, the "squaddie" syndrome did not provide the best opportunty for promotion.
Pressure was put on National Security Minister Peter Phillips by powerful forces including the business sector for the government to employ officers from overseas to improve the performance of the force as well as to provide resources to build the force capability.
THOMAS... it is difficult for any policeman to gain unauthorised possession of firearms from the armoury
Five officers were recruited in Britain on three-year contracts. They are Mark Shields as deputy commissioner in charge of crime; Les Green, assistant commissioner, organised crime; Paul Robinson, assistant commissioner, firearms and coastal security; John McLean, assistant commissioner, public safety and Justin Felice, assistant commissioner in charge of the anti-corruption unit which falls under the Professional Standard Branch headed by Novlette Grant, assistant commissioner.
Green is highly regarded by the detectives with whom he works. He has been described as a sound investigator and his leadership inspiring. Thomas said his presence has brought tangible results. Felice will have his work cut out for him, what with the high level of corruption in the force.
Many watchers of the police force were concerned when news circulated that Special Branch was being watered down. However, this is not so. On the contrary, it now has greater focus on areas such as terrorism and espionage. There has been a certain amount of dissatisfaction over the government's decision to place assistant commissioners on contracts.
Many of the young officers feel that they will never reach the rank of assistant commissioner and talks on the matter are now being held between the Police Officers Association, Police Service Commission and Dr Phillips.
Commissioner Thomas says that technological development of the force has come on stream and with concerted training in skills it will not be long before the force produces officers with a high level of competence and professionalism. Officers are being trained with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States, British Police Training College at Bramshill and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He pointed out that a new programme which will facilitate the recruitment of high quality recruits, is being implemented to build up the capacity of the force, especially in the areas of competence and professionalism.
An important first step is the establishment of a human resource department and a new programme which will facilitate the recruitment of high-quality recruits. Two steps to develop and ensure the existence of relevant competences within the organisation are being undertaken.
These are a phased implementation of a competence curriculum in basic training developed by HEART/NTA and specialists training courses which will be under the management of the police staff college.
Commissioner Thomas said that the opportunities for development of personnel are perhaps the best they have ever been in the history of the police force. This will not only fill the vacant gap left by retiring officers, but make a career in the force attractive.
Many years ago, police officers were speaking a great deal on policies, causing much confusion and conflicts. A policy was developed where officers could disseminate information on crime in their division, but it was the sole responsibility of the commissioner or an officer delegated by him to speak on matters concerning policy. But things got out of hand and divisional officers and area officers started to speak as if they were the commissioner.
The issue was raised with Commissioner Thomas. He said that he reinforced the order that no officer or anyone else should speak or write on matters of policy unless given permission by the commissioner.
Regarding the security firearms and ammunition at the armoury, Thomas said that it is difficult for any policeman to gain unauthorised possession of firearms from the armoury. Anyone in possession of unauthorised firearms would be liable to be charged for unlawful possession. There are firm guidelines for the use, control, storage and accountability of firearms. The role of Robinson will be to streamline the system.
Ken Chaplin
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Public anxiety on some matters concerning the Jamaica Constabulary Force took me to the office of Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas recently.
Ken Chaplin These related to what caused the apparent deterioration in the capability of some senior officers to the extent that the government has to be hiring officers from Britain and how long they will remain in the job in Jamaica.
The situation where every Tom, Dick and Harry in the officer corps is making statements on policy; and control of firearms seized which are kept in the JCF's armoury so that policemen could not "borrow" any of these guns and plant it on the body of a man or an accused.
The discussions were frank as we know each other well, having worked together for many years some time go. He as the head of Special Branch when it was the elite unit and I as a former director of information for the force.
A focal point of the discussions was the need to employ officers from abroad. It is felt by many people prior to the arrival of these officers that there were capable Jamaican officers at the top, but management of them was uninspiring. They were moved around too frequently and hardly had time to build up their capability and competence on the job.
Others had too many outside interests. However, the biggest deficiency was lack of up-to-date technology, especially in forensic science equipment. The deficiency is being eliminated, but the question being is asked why government took so long to provide the police force with critical resources, while it squandered state funds in other areas.
There were other matters like conditions of work, accommodation and poor mobility which were impediments to competence. Of course, the "squaddie" syndrome did not provide the best opportunty for promotion.
Pressure was put on National Security Minister Peter Phillips by powerful forces including the business sector for the government to employ officers from overseas to improve the performance of the force as well as to provide resources to build the force capability.
THOMAS... it is difficult for any policeman to gain unauthorised possession of firearms from the armoury Five officers were recruited in Britain on three-year contracts. They are Mark Shields as deputy commissioner in charge of crime; Les Green, assistant commissioner, organised crime; Paul Robinson, assistant commissioner, firearms and coastal security; John McLean, assistant commissioner, public safety and Justin Felice, assistant commissioner in charge of the anti-corruption unit which falls under the Professional Standard Branch headed by Novlette Grant, assistant commissioner.
Green is highly regarded by the detectives with whom he works. He has been described as a sound investigator and his leadership inspiring. Thomas said his presence has brought tangible results. Felice will have his work cut out for him, what with the high level of corruption in the force.
Many watchers of the police force were concerned when news circulated that Special Branch was being watered down. However, this is not so. On the contrary, it now has greater focus on areas such as terrorism and espionage. There has been a certain amount of dissatisfaction over the government's decision to place assistant commissioners on contracts.
Many of the young officers feel that they will never reach the rank of assistant commissioner and talks on the matter are now being held between the Police Officers Association, Police Service Commission and Dr Phillips.
Commissioner Thomas says that technological development of the force has come on stream and with concerted training in skills it will not be long before the force produces officers with a high level of competence and professionalism. Officers are being trained with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States, British Police Training College at Bramshill and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He pointed out that a new programme which will facilitate the recruitment of high quality recruits, is being implemented to build up the capacity of the force, especially in the areas of competence and professionalism.
An important first step is the establishment of a human resource department and a new programme which will facilitate the recruitment of high-quality recruits. Two steps to develop and ensure the existence of relevant competences within the organisation are being undertaken.
These are a phased implementation of a competence curriculum in basic training developed by HEART/NTA and specialists training courses which will be under the management of the police staff college.
Commissioner Thomas said that the opportunities for development of personnel are perhaps the best they have ever been in the history of the police force. This will not only fill the vacant gap left by retiring officers, but make a career in the force attractive.
Many years ago, police officers were speaking a great deal on policies, causing much confusion and conflicts. A policy was developed where officers could disseminate information on crime in their division, but it was the sole responsibility of the commissioner or an officer delegated by him to speak on matters concerning policy. But things got out of hand and divisional officers and area officers started to speak as if they were the commissioner.
The issue was raised with Commissioner Thomas. He said that he reinforced the order that no officer or anyone else should speak or write on matters of policy unless given permission by the commissioner.
Regarding the security firearms and ammunition at the armoury, Thomas said that it is difficult for any policeman to gain unauthorised possession of firearms from the armoury. Anyone in possession of unauthorised firearms would be liable to be charged for unlawful possession. There are firm guidelines for the use, control, storage and accountability of firearms. The role of Robinson will be to streamline the system.
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