POLICE Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has gutted the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) with more than 40 of its members being transferred sparking speculation that the 11-year-old unit is being disbanded.

C-TOC was officially formed in January 2015, through the merger of the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) and the Flying Squad, to strengthen Jamaica’s capacity to combat terrorism and organised crime.

But in the latest weekly Force Orders, published last Friday, Blake announced the formation of a Specialised Investigation Branch (SIB) under the Crime Portfolio, with its mandate seeming very similar to C-TOC.

“The SIB is designed to forge powerful synergies, synchronise operations, and enhance [Jamaica Constabuary] Force-wide effectiveness in dismantling criminal networks and addressing endemic crime patterns across Jamaica,” the
Force Orders said.

It was noted that the new SIB, “consolidates several elite investigative formations into a unified front to boost effectiveness, efficiency and strengthen oversight”.

The SIB will include the Fraud Squad and Financial Crimes Investigation Division, the National Strategic Anti-Gang Division (NSAD), the Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit, Transnational Crime Investigation Division (TCID), Trafficking in Persons (TIP) unit, Intellectual Property Unit (IPU), Kidnapping Unit (KU), Special Investigation Unit (SIU), Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team (JFAT), and the Legal and Quality Management Unit.

“Furthermore, SIB will deepen collaborative ties with the Forensic Services Branch (FSB) to ensure a scientifically rigorous approach to every investigation,” read the
Force Orders.

It was further reported in the Force Orders that, “The SIB is tasked with investigating complex, high-stakes, and sensitive cases. By leveraging advanced investigative techniques and the specialised support of the Intelligence and Covert Evidence Gathering Unit, the branch will spearhead the JCF’s efforts to neutralise organised crime.

“Beyond direct investigations, the SIB will co-ordinate the resources and efforts of associate agencies to maximise co-operation throughout the investigative and prosecutorial phases.”

The Force Orders also announced the wholescale transfer of members of C-TOC, with none being moved to the new SIB. This followed the announcement of the commissioner’s decision to replace the leadership of C-TOC one week earlier.

At that time the Force Orders announced that Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr Anthony McLaughlin, and Superintendent Victor Barrett, who led the management team of C-TOC, had been reassigned.

McLaughlin, who was head of C-TOC, was reassigned to the Forensic Services Branch. He was replaced by Senior Superintendent Christopher Brown, who previously served at the Forensic Services Branch.

Barrett, who was second-in-command at C-TOC, was transferred to the Crime and Security portfolio last Monday, but in the latest Force Orders it is indicated that he will be reassigned to the Area Four Headquarters (uniform) effective February 23.

The transfer of the more than 40 rank and file members of C-TOC will also take effect on February 23.

“All transfers must be taken up on the effective date. Regular members must be dressed in uniform and CIB personnel in work business suit. Each member must be escorted by a sub-officer and handed over to the receiving sub-officer, along with a copy of the transfer return,” the Force Orders added.

The published transfers from C-TOC come as a major investigation continues into the discovery of two illegal parcels of cocaine found inside C-TOC storage facilities.

The find was made as detectives from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) continued their investigation into a drug bust involving 51-year-old police inspector Martin Walker, who was assigned to C-TOC.

Walker was granted bail in the sum of $2.5 million and a stop order was issued against him when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court last month.

There is no indication in the Force Orders that the transfers are linked to the investigation into the cocaine bust.

In his column in this week’s Force Orders Blake commended the men and women under his command for the crime numbers in January when 33 murders were recorded — the lowest number in a month since the police started aggregating the figures in 2001.

But Blake reiterated his warning that self-inflicted wounds could lessen the trust which citizens have in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

“We have been hit by a few unfortunate events that threaten to erode the confidence of our stakeholders and those who we serve,” Blake said without specifying the events.

He argued that the JCF has to move to maintain its credibility and integrity, even while it is threatened from within.

“And that is why we have to begin the process of healing. To heal, we sometimes have to renew ourselves. We sometimes have to make sweeping changes to our structures, processes and systems — changes that will ensure that weaknesses that were exploited are addressed, and vulnerabilities removed,” said Blake.

“We have to make this a learning opportunity to build back better. Our response to any such crisis must always place us in a state that is much better than before. These changes that we have to make during the healing and rebuilding process sometimes affect many who themselves are not culpable in any way,” added Blake in what JCF insiders say is a thinly veiled comment on the changes at C-TOC.