ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation Sergeant Arleen McBean says rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) should limit and be more responsible with their use of social media.

“A lot of us post on social media… Members of the JCF if you are going on social media go in your personal capacity, but guess what remember who you are and do not use the Government’s resources — clothes, vehicle, anything. Some persons they use the gun and show off on social media,” she said on Friday.

She was speaking at the St Elizabeth police divisional conference and pre-Father’s Day luncheon in Black River to guide younger members.

“Let us project ourselves as law enforcement leaders out there. We can’t expect the citizens to respect us when we pose a particular way that becomes concerning,” she said.

“We have to guide the younger minds. When they come in and they reach for TikTok and they do them in spaces like the guardroom where you are supposed to be alert. Where you are supposed to be answering the phone… but yet you find time to put your phone one side look at your hair, look at this, play a song. Listen, wait until you reach your bedroom or your living room or your dining room or when you’re off duty in your car. Don’t use the grounds as the physical space to do those things,” added McBean.

She said the improper use of social media by the police can become a threat to the security landscape.

“It is not everything we are going to share as a [force] what we have technological wise, because the criminals will sit one side and try to map out what is happening,” she said.

“Not every time you are doing your operational duties out there must be advertised. Sometimes we realise that we are on social media advertising everything. I think it is a threat to the security landscape. It makes the job of the police harder,” added McBean.

The Police Federation chairman also reminded members of the JCF gathered at the event not to violate the human rights of citizens.

“I will never encourage the Jamaica Police Federation to embrace any member of the JCF who abuses the citizens of Jamaica, because we have a sworn duty to protect, serve and reassure,” she said.

“… I will flip the script. I will never embrace a citizen of Jamaica who obstructs the police in the lawful execution of your duties,” she added.

— Kasey Williams