KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is on Tuesday voicing its objection to what it says is a series of viral images bearing the photograph police officers that have been fashioned into campaign paraphernalia for one of the major political parties.

According to a police statement, the photograph – which was taken by the JCF’s Corporate Communication Unit and posted on the its official Facebook page in 2012 – has been manipulated to give the impression that the officers, and by extension the JCF, are a part of the party’s campaign machinery.

“The creation and publication of these images in no way defines the political position of the organisation or the officers in question. As a defender of the country’s democratic process, the JCF remains a neutral body, neither having nor expressing affiliation to any political party. Our official and primary role during this period is to support the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) in its administration of the General Elections,” Police Commissioner, Dr Carl Williams said in condemning the use of these images.

“The use of our Police Officers in this fashion is an unfortunate and deceitful act. It places these five officers, who did not authorise the use of their photograph in this manner, in an uncomfortable position and at risk of unnecessary negative attention, especially during this emotionally-charged period,” Williams said adding that the JCF “categorically distances itself from these images.”

At the same time, the Police High Command reiterated that all police officers should desist from overt expressions of support for one political party or another.