ACTING Police Commissioner Owen Ellington yesterday shot down claims by rank-and-file members of the constabulary, who accused him of disregarding the 40-hour work week that was earlier agreed with Government, and instead asking them to work up to 15 hour per day.

“This is not true. The Police High Command has taken steps to fully implement the agreement signed between the Government of Jamaica and the Police Federation, while achieving flexibility and responsiveness in our deployment schedules,” Ellington said yesterday in a press statement.

“The Government is paying each policeman for 50 hours work per week. Our scheduling guidelines to divisional commanders include detailing members for three 12-hour shift and two eight-hour shift per week; and allowing each member two days off in the seven-day cycle. During the 12-hour shift period, each member in entitled to two hours managed “rest break” and one-hour during the eight-hour shift,” said the acting commissioner.

Ellington also dismissed claims by his junior officers that the Police High Command was refusing to promote persons in the rank-and-file.

“This is not true. Promotions are made to fill vacancies. In the last four months over 150 promotions were made into the ranks of sergeants and corporals. All promotions are made on merit and persons recommended are subject to integrity screening,” he said.

He said, however, that a few persons who were recommended were not promoted because there were unresolved disciplinary and integrity issues. “Once these issues are resolved by measures to include internal investigation and polygraphing, a decision will be taken with respect to those members. The Police Federation is aware of these procedures,” said Ellington.

At the same time, he said future promotions in the rank-and-file as well as promotions beyond the rank of sergeant were being considered at this time.

Added the acting police chief: “They will be on the basis of examinations, performance assessments, interviews and integrity screenings, following which successful candidates will be trained for their new ranks. This is a radical shift away from what obtained in the past and is necessary for building effective leadership of high integrity for the future. The Police Federation has been fully briefed on all aspects of the policy.”

Ellington also repeated his “this is not true” statement regarding allegations that members of the constabulary were being dismissed from without due regard for procedure.

“All matters relating to discipline must be dealt with in accordance with the Police Service Regulations and Force Rules, both of which provide guidance on the application of due process.

“The Police High Command has not violated any procedure. The difference now in our approach is that we have taken a firm stand against corruption, indiscipline, lack of respect for citizen’s rights, and dereliction of duty,” he said.

He added that while in the past the Federation could appeal for leniency in dealing with some rogue elements, it was no longer the case.

“The High Command and the vast majority of professional members are united in the view that the fight against indiscipline and corruption is a fight for institutional survival and one we must win. There is broad approval for the firm stand being taken against indiscipline and corruption. This is reflected in the changing attitude and conduct of most members and a growing willingness to report on the misconduct of colleagues as well as civilians who try to corrupt the police,” said Ellington.

“I would urge our members, including those who offer representation, to constantly remind themselves of the direction in which the force is heading before they go to the media seeking to undermine our reform efforts; bearing in that they are on record endorsing these very reforms,” he added.