POLICE Commissioner Hardley Lewin yesterday thanked outgoing Deputy Commissioner Mark Shields for his service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Shields, one of the overseas cops recruited by Jamaica to the leadership of the police force, rejected the one-year contract renewal offered to him and will depart next February.
Lewin, in a statement issued by the police's information arm - the Constabulary Communication Network - said Shields had played a critical part in developing a number of key management plans and strategies that have benefited the constabulary and which should continue to benefit the JCF.

"He has also been a source of wholesome advice on key issues and cases. Mr Shields has assured me that he shall continue to support the work of the JCF in his usual professional and caring manner until his contract officially ends in February of next year," Lewin said.

"I thank Mr Shields for his service, especially since I became commissioner," he said.

".On behalf of the JCF, I wish DCP Shields fair winds and a following sea in his future endeavours."

In the meantime, the security ministry said it has, in consultation with the commissioner of police and other relevant stakeholders, undertaken a review of the International Police Officers (IPO) Programme.

The ministry said the rationale and value of the programme has been endorsed and its contribution to the JCF acknowledged, but said in a statement that discussions were underway regarding the programme's directions and benefit for the local police.

The ministry said that as part of the review it was acknowledged that two of the contracts were nearing expiry and decisions have been made with respect to the tenure of these officers.

"Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green's contract expires on January 15, 2009 and he has been offered a two-year extension and negotiations are nearing completion.

"The contract with Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields, who is in charge of the crime portfolio expires on February 28, 2009. DCP Shields was offered a one-year extension but agreement was not reached regarding the terms and he has declined the offer. Appropriate steps will be taken to acknowledge DCP Shields' contribution to the JCF and to thank him for his service.

"The contracts of the other three (3) officers will expire between April 2009 and May 2010. Decisions will be made in each case as the time approaches," said the security ministry.

The IPO Programme was initiated to have international police officers apply and share their knowledge, experience and expertise, transfer skills to their local counterparts, and assist with capacity-building in the JCF.

The programme was made possible through collaboration between the Government of Jamaica, the British Government (Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development) and Jamaican private sector interests.

The security ministry said it values the co-operation and assistance provided under this programme and was discussing with the British Government how it can be adapted to meet the current requirements and priorities of the JCF as well as contributing to the implementation of the recommendations of the Strategic Review.

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

Cheeky's World