A number of police officers have been reassigned by Commissioner Lucius Thomas in a move that Observer sources say is designed to improve proficiency on the ground.

Thomas informed the affected officers of their transfers at a meeting yesterday, a day ahead of a news conference he has called for this afternoon at which he is expected to speak on police initiatives to fight crime.

Among the more notable transfers are Superintendent Assan Thompson, who is leaving St Andrew North for East Kingston; Senior Superintendent George Quallo, moving from Manchester to St Andrew Central; and Superintendent Glenford Hudson, who is leaving St Mary to replace Thompson at St Andrew North.

The Observer also learnt that Senior Superintendent Carlton Wilson, who has been working at the Narcotics Division, will now head that department, as Assistant Commissioner Errol Strong will be going on pre-retirement leave soon.

Strong was Jamaica’s security attaché at the island’s embassy in Washington, D C for about four years. He returned home late last year.

The vacancy created by Supt Hudson’s transfer from St Mary will be filled by Superintendent Dudley Scott, who was assigned to Portland, while Superintendent Derrick Knight is being transferred from the CIB to Clarendon.