'Corruption high among senior cops' - Policemen don't trust superiors, report says

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'Corruption high among senior cops' - Policemen don't trust superiors, report says
published: Tuesday | May 9, 2006

Bruce Golding (left), Leader of the Opposition, and Colonel Trevor MacMillan, former commissioner of police, examine the report put together by the Special Task Force on Crime (STFC), at a press conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, yesterday. The STFC, headed by Col. MacMillan, was convened by Mr. Golding last December. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
MEMBERS OF different ranks throughout the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) believe that the majority of their senior officers are corrupt or are tolerant of corruption within the force, according to a report by the Special Task Force on Crime (STFC).
The STFC, headed by Colonel Trevor MacMillan, former commissioner of police, was convened by Leader of the Opposition, Bruce Golding, last December, and was charged with developing an action plan on crime.
The STFC report was made public yesterday.
The report stated that corruption in the police force was endemic and institutionalised. Through interviews conducted with select members of the force, the SCTF determined that some of the corrupt practices which have become endemic in the JCF are:
Payoffs of road traffic offences.
Sale of gun licences.
Advising criminals of planned police interdiction.
Removing evidence from crime scenes.
Contract killing.
Stealing evidence.
Planting evidence.
The STFC stated that corruption "facilitates serious crimes and endemic corruption ensures the freedom of action to build powerful and successful criminal enterprises."
The report stated that an effective crime control policy must address these issues of corruption.
The STFC suggested that greater efforts should also be made to remove political influence from the force, by stripping the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader of any say in the selection of a police commissioner.
Members of the STFC
Col. Trevor MacMillan
Marguerite Orane, businesswoman
Anthony Harriott, professor of political sociology
Errol Strong, former policeman
Peter John Thwaites, businessman
Dr. Henley Morgan, management consultant
Bill Thomas, research coordinator
The Special Task Force on Crime (STFC) has made 33 recommendations which in its view will lead to a significant reduction in the nation's crime rate. The report was presented at a press conference yesterday.
Some of the recommendations contained in the report are:
Pass an effective Assets Forfeiture Act.
Fully resource Corruption Prevention Commission.
Amend libel law.
Promote transparency and disclosure of funding sources by political parties.
Promote transparency in contracts and sub-contracts.
Parliamentary approval for senior public officials.
Security clearance for approved contractors.
Prevent sub-contracting to a firm controlled by criminal elements.
Code of conduct for politicians.
Two-party agreement on de-garrisoning.
End contracts to garrison dons.
End practice of dons making contributions to political parties.
Disarm garrisons.
Accelerate the privatisation of housing stock.
Strip garrison dons of all criminally-acquired wealth.
Establish police-military posts within garrison communities, as required.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
De-politicising police.
Police Service Commission to have increased authority.
Establish Promotions Board in the JCF.
Fully resource the Police Public Complaints Authority.
Upgrade criminal investigation and intelligence services by about 600 persons.
Strategic review of the JCF.
Upgrade Mobile Reserve.
Enhance the National Reserve.
Office of Chief Justice and the enhancing of judicial independence.
Review existing system of courts etc.
Review Director of Public Prosecutions Office with respect to staffing resources and accountability.
Ensure courts are manned by officer answerable to the Chief Justice.