KINGSTON, Jamaica — Acting Police Commissioner Clifford Blake says he has taken note of the discussions surrounding the passage of the new Road Traffic Bill in the House of Representatives and the concerns of citizens regarding the possible conduct of members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), when it becomes law.

A major concern is that officers will be enticed to request and accept bribes from motorists, given that the penalties for breaches will be significantly higher.

In response, the Acting Commissioner said that the acceptance of bribes constitutes a breach of the Corruption Prevention Act and the organisation’s policies on the conduct of members.

“I understand the concerns and I am assuring the public that misconduct in any form is unacceptable and will not be countenanced by the Police High Command. There will be robust monitoring by Inspectorate of Constabulary (IOC),” said Blake.

He added that the strongest possible actions will be taken in cases where this act of criminality is reported and/or detected.

“The response will be swift, decisive and fair as we are mindful of the accountability we have to the people of Jamaica,” added Blake.

Blake also said that all commanding officers have been tasked to employ a zero tolerance approach to acts of corruption by members of the JCF and civilians.

At the same time, the top cop urged citizens to promptly report to the IOC or the MOCA, any member of the JCF who solicits a bribe from them so that investigations may be carried out, and sanctions levelled where the member is found to be guilty.

He also stressed that “any member of the public, who attempts to bribe a police officer in exchange for avoiding a ticket, will be prosecuted.”