A detective corporal who was promoted to the post of sergeant while on suspension, is taking the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to court for cancelling his promotion.

The cop – Ira Raphington of the Organised Crime Division – is asking the court to overturn the JCF’s decision to make void the promotion he got just four months after his suspension. He was suspended on allegations that he had taken a bribe from a suspected car thief he was investigating in 2005.

Raphington was taken off front-line duty and was asked to give up his weapon on August 26, 2005 after alleged car thief Clive Dyer told the police following his arrest, that Raphington had taken $150,000 from him with the promise that he would not arrest him.

However, in November 2005 while on suspension, Raphington was recommended for promotion to the rank of sergeant. He took the relevant tests and interviews and was later told by his superior that he had been selected for the position.

Raphington, 37, was promoted on December 20, 2005, effective December 1, placed back on front-line duty, and reissued his firearm. However, a week later, the 18-year police veteran was demoted “without explanation”.

Raphington, who is back on frontline duty, is now seeking a date for his matter to be heard in the Supreme Court.

JCF communication director Karl Angell said he could not comment before reviewing Raphington’s file.