KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition spokesman on national security Peter Bunting has chided Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, for what he says is the top cop’s “continued public advocacy” for the states of public emergency (SOEs) despite the measure being defeated in Parliament.

“I am concerned that the continued public advocacy by the commissioner and members of the (police) high command for states of emergency, especially after Parliament has decided against it, is wrong,” Bunting said.

“It violates that important separation between policy and operations and risks pulling the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) into the arena of politics,” he continued. “It is inappropriate and, in my view, unprofessional and risks taking us back to the days of ‘JLP and PNP police’.”

Bunting made the remarks at a People’s National Party (PNP) press briefing at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition at West King’s House Road in St Andrew on Thursday.

The PNP has consistently argued that SOEs are ineffective as a crime-fighting tool, are unconstitutional and have refused to vote with the Government to extend them beyond the initial 14 day-duration.

Bunting called on Anderson to desist from publicly advocating for the SOEs.

“I call on the commissioner to stop it. It is unprofessional and not in the long term interest of the JCF,” he said.