PROMINENT crimefighter and former head of the Flying Squad, Cornwall ‘Bigga’ Ford, is tipped to take over the reins of the West Kingston Police Division.

Reliable sources have told the Jamaica Observer that Ford, who is known to be a hard-nosed crimefighter, is expected to take over the leadership of the tough police division next Monday.

The Police High Command, however, was up to late yesterday tight-lipped about the report.

Ford, the sources said, will fill the position to which Senior Superintendent Michael Smith was temporarily assigned earlier this month following the transfer of Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor in early April.

McGregor was transferred to St James to combat the spiralling crime problem in the western parish.

Residents of West Kingston, in response to the reports of McGregor’s transfer, staged several protests and blocked sections of Spanish Town Road in the vicinity of Tivoli Gardens and called on Police Commissioner Carl Williams to withdraw the decision.

“We want McGregor, ah him set the trend and bring back the peace,” one woman shouted during one of the protests.

The police chief, however, went ahead with his plan to send McGregor to St James despite the public support for the former West Kingston commander.

Meanwhile, there were positive responses yesterday when it emerged that Senior Superintendent Ford would be heading to West Kingston.

“Well, we know ‘Bigga’ Ford is a no-nonsense man who has been in the police business for some time and we are confident that he will be able to establish his presence in the area,” said one resident.

“We are confident that Ford has the ability to clamp down on the criminals, to interact with people in the community, and also the ability to push community policing initiatives in the area,” said one businessman.