KINGSTON, Jamaica – In response to remarks by Bishop Herro Blair following the sentencing of Reverend Merrick ‘Al’ Miller for perverting the course of justice, the police say Commissioner Dr Carl Williams has set in motion a series of activities to improve understanding between the police and the clergy in Jamaica.

Bishop Blair’s remarks suggested, inter alia, a reassessment by pastors of what is to be done before facilitating the surrender of fugitives to determine whether it is worth the effort.

Out of a deep concern that pastors could become less willing to work with the police in facilitating the surrender of wanted people, or to be intermediaries in the handover of illegal firearms, Commissioner Williams is acting to ensure that there are no ambiguities in relation to how the clergy and police should operate in these situations, according to a news release by the Police High Command.

Consequently, the commissioner says that he will be ordering the speedy completion of protocols that will serve to guide both police and members of the clergy in facilitating the surrender of wanted persons or persons of interest, and the handling of illegal firearms to be handed over to the police.

The Police High Command said Commissioner Williams has contacted Bishop Blair to discuss the matter and to invite him to a meeting to discuss the draft protocols.

An invitation was also reportedly extended to the Umbrella Group of Churches to review the draft protocols in order to contribute to its further development. In anticipation of its prompt completion, the Commissioner urges members of the clergy to adhere strictly to the guidelines for the safe handover of persons and/or illegal firearms.

Dr Williams has also reportedly had discussions with president of the Jamaica Theological Seminary, Dr Garnett Roper, and is encouraged by Roper’s invitation to work jointly with the police to train clergymen to enable an improved understanding of how to proceed in these matters.

The commissioner noted that the church presides over the largest constituency in Jamaica and a great deal of influence, and, as such, church leaders are indispensable to the effort to unite the people in defeating the common enemy — crime.

The commissioner acknowledges the clergy’s invaluable support and their contributions to programmes such as the Get the Guns initiative, Unite for Change, and the Proactive Violence Interruption Strategy.

According to the commissioner, the role of the clergy is critically important to boosting the JCF’s crime reduction efforts, and the high command will continue to seek the clergy’s commitment to an enriched working relationship with the police.