KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a shocking development Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington has tendered a letter of retirement to Minister of National Security Peter Bunting and the Police Service Commission.

Ellington took over the reins of the police force in November 2009 following the departure of former head of the Jamaica Defence Force – Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin.

He served in various capacities of the Constabulary for over thirty years.

Ellington was the Commissioner of Police during the Limited State of Emergency in 2010 when the security forces conducted what was said to be a necessary operation in Tivoli Gardens.

A release from the Ministry claimed that Ellington in advising Minister Peter Bunting of his desire to retire said his main reason for retiring at this time is based on the need to separate himself from the leadership and management of the Force prior to the commencement of the upcoming Commission of Enquiry into the conduct of the Operations of the Security Forces in Western Kingston and other areas during the limited State of Emergency in 2010.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Operations portfolio, Glenmore Hinds will act as Commissioner until a replacement for Ellington is found.

THE FULL RELEASE FROM THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY

Minister of National Security, Honourable Peter Bunting, has been advised of the request by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Owen Ellington to retire from his post on completion of vacation leave due to him.

He will proceed on leave on Tuesday July 1, 2014.

Commissioner Ellington has indicated that his decision to retire is based on the need to separate himself from the leadership and management of the Force prior to the commencement of the upcoming Commission of Enquiry into the conduct of the Operations of the Security Forces in Western Kingston and other areas during the limited State of Emergency in 2010.

In addition, he believes it will allow the Independent Commission of Investigations, INDECOM, to conduct its investigation into allegations of police-involved killings in the Clarendon Division (some of which occurred during his tenure) without any perception of influence or interference on his part.

The Minister of National Security expresses appreciation for the thirty-four years of service Mr. Ellington gave to the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the people of Jamaica.

The Minister also acknowledges Mr. Ellington’s contribution to improving the professionalism of the JCF and establishing strategies that have led to a significant reduction in crime and improvement in public security during his tenure as Commissioner.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds has been appointed to act as Commissioner of Police effective Tuesday, July 1, 2014 while the Police Service Commission commences the process of appointing a new Commissioner of Police.