FOR the first in a very long time, three female officers will be in charge of police geographic divisions, of which there are 19.

This is the latest in a set of what is being described as “strategic moves” by Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington to create new efficiencies within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Ellington has decided that Superintendent Jacqueline Green will be the commander for the St Andrew North Division, which is now under the care of the very effective and popular Superintendent Maurice Robinson, who is slated to be the new commander for the problematic Clarendon Division.

Green previously served as the administration officer for the St Andrew South Division.

With 23 years service under her belt, Green says she is well prepared for the job at hand. “This is a major step for me. However, I strongly believe that the continuous training I have been exposed to will hold me in good stead for the many challenges I am sure to face as divisional commander for a wide and very diverse geographic division,” she told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

“The one thing I can state unequivocally is that I will work hard, day and night if necessary, to buttress firstly and increase the gains made in St Andrew North and to be a true servant of the people in that division and across the wider Jamaica. I will be part of a team in St Andrew North and will respect my team players and do everything in my powers to enhance their situation,” she added.

Superintendent Yvonne Martin-Daley, who was stationed for many years at the Police Staff College in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, is now the divisional commander for St Ann, replacing Senior Superintendent Egbert Parkins, who moves to the St James Division.

The third female officer holding a geographic command is Superintendent Dezeita Taylor, the long-standing commander for St Elizabeth. Taylor has also served as divisional officer for Westmoreland.

Other major changes announced by the commissioner at a recent meeting with senior officers include Senior Superintendent Richard Stewart taking over the reins of the South Andrew South Division, replacing Senior Superintendent Delroy Hewitt, who will proceed on retirement later this year after serving in the JCF for over 40 years.

Ellington also announced the return of Superintendent Harry ‘Bungles’ Daley to front-line duties. It was in March of this year, after many years out of the force after being slapped with corruption charges, that Daley won his appeal and was therefore able to continue his service with the JCF.

He was then directed to do so at the Detention and Courts Section of the Force.

Daley will now join Assistant Commissioner Derrick ‘Cowboy’ Knight as the officer in charge of operations at Police Area 3.

Just a month ago, Superintendent Steve McGregor left the Kingston Central Division for duties at Kingston Western, while Senior Superintendent Ronald Anderson, then in charge of the latter division, was moved to St Catherine South.