JDF chief tells young cops to be fearless but respectful
Kimmo Matthews
Saturday, July 10, 2010
CHIEF of Defence Staff, Major General Stewart Saunders says if law and order is to be maintained in Jamaica it is important for members of the security forces to remain resolute and be prepared to carry out their duties without fear or favour, but with respect for the rights of citizens.
Major General Saunders, who was addressing yesterday's passing-out parade of 68 constables at the Jamaica Police Academy in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, said that based on the current crime situation in the country, the police should focus continuously on playing their part in rebuilding the nation.
"Vigorously prosecute all illegalities, inclusive of corrupt activities, but do not become involved in them yourself," Saunders said.
He added: "In our present social climate you are expected to uphold the law; everyone must be treated fairly under the law, be they rich, poor, influential or non-influential."
The Jamaica Defence Force chief also called on lawmen not to place total reliance on the provisions on the limited State of Public Emergency, now in force in the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine.
The police, he said, should instead display a willingness to use all applicable laws to carry out their duties.
He warned the new recruits that it was by their actions — individually and collectively — that the JCF and Jamaica would be judged.
"...So Jamaica requires that you do not yield to the temptations of criminality, but that you endeavour to be a part of the solution that reduces crime to a tolerable level," said the army chief.
 
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7/10/2010
Major Stewart, must address all Police Officers who are acting out of Contex where the Law is Concerned. Abuse of Power: Which Lieutenant have ordered his platoon to have Keith Clarke brutally assissinated Sir?: This is very In-humane and need's to be seriously addressed Major. You must have heard of it Sir. Do we have a Communist Military murder Squad Sir?'. Since the Murder of Mr. Clarke the Polulation is afraid, can you please tell us what's Going on Major?": Which citizen is next sir?:)
7/10/2010
you will never ever be able to stomp out corruption from a force unless you pay the police a salary they can survive on. every day police are caught in corrupt practices and they still continue . why? because they have nothing to loose. pay them well and they will think twice before becoming corrupt because they will then have too much to loose.
7/10/2010
Very well said Major !
Priority must be focussed on corrupt politicians who knowingly take extortion and narco-trafficking kickback monies from criminals, and in return provide criminals contracts and also provide free legal services to said scum-bags at the tax-payers's expense.
7/10/2010
Lets hope these new officers of the force are coming in with the mindset to do their part in cleaning up criminality in this country. They are looking good lets hope they do good. Jamaica will need to double the size of the police force with some good dedicated well trained officers as fast as possible, in order to do the most effective job to lower the crime rate. There must be a relentless persuit of crimonals from now on.
7/10/2010
I know the present govt is seem to be top heavy with the number of ministies and ministers, there needs to be one more important change made in regards to Jamaica's security.
The PM now occupies the Defence portfolio- surely with the security situation face by the country and the security forces we now need a ministry of Homeland and border security, combining the defence potfolio with that of the ministry of national security might do the trick creating a super department with more resources
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