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Editorial
he security of any nation falls under the direct responsibility of those hired by the State as law enforcement practitioners. In Jamaica, the Jamaica Constabulary Force is charged with that responsibility. It is challenging, but we took an oath to protect and serve the people of this land, and we must rise to the challenge. Our idyllic island is one of the most beautiful places in the world. However, recently, criminal elements seem intent on making life miserable for law-abiding citizens and tarnishing our reputation in the international sphere. At the beginning of 2014, major crimes appeared to have significantly increased, however through the implementation of strategic plans, we were able to see a significant reduction by year end. While we are happy for these gains, we are fully cognizant that there is no time to celebrate as the crime rate remains too high. The mercenaries of death must be made to understand we have no intention of unbending while they engender fear in the society. They must be made to understand that we will be relentless in our efforts to apprehend them and their allies and seize their assets. They are the ones who will live in fear. We are called to service and we must act professionally by providing the type of service that will make all Jamaicans proud of their police force. We must police this nation with a vehemence and professionalism never seen before; by doing that the criminals will be stopped. Our nation is depending on us and failing them is something we cannot afford to do. The activities of the criminals and their sympathizers will be disrupted. The perpetrators of violence and criminal acts should not be allowed to relax in the comfort of their homes while other Jamaicans live in fear. Our nation’s streets must be made safe for every Jamaican and miscreants must never again be made to feel that their fief is untouchable. The pressure we place on the malefactors should be potent, to the point where they are left to ponder if a life of crime is what they really want.
In taking Jamaica back, we must take it to the criminals and their gangs operating in every division by unsettling them and adopting a zero-tolerance approach to their every move. As the organization in charge of the security of every community in this land, the JCF should ensure that no criminal is made to think he is in charge of the affairs of any community. Being assured that we have the full backing of the Police High Command in carrying out our tasks, we will make life most miserable for criminals and we will hunt them down and bring them to justice in a manner which typifies professionalism, respect for life and respect for human rights. No retreat, no surrender, no peace for criminals!
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Table of Contents Message from the Commissioner.........................5 Operations portfolio.............6 From Diaries to Data.........................................7 A change is coming..............9 Facts on Carl Williams......10 Best Station Competition..... 11 The day he faced the gun.....................................12 Traffic has a new boss..........16 Ninth time’s the charm........21 Spiritual Life...........................22 Dont let complacency sink in.......................................23 The Anti-gang Unit..............25
Canine Division ...................27 Guilty! A crime fighter follows the clues.................29 To Serve and Protect........34 Stress and your health.....38 Police Youth Clubs............40 Graphic Artist?................. 41 We will always remember..........................42 Lasco Top Cop 2014..........47 Best Station Competition..49 Tackling Crime......................50 Partnerships for safer communities................. 52 Security Services Portfolio................. 54
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Message from the Commissioner of Police We are at a stage in the development of our nation where the efficient and professional response of all Policemen and Policewomen is critical to the maintenance of a civil and just society. It is clear that if criminal elements persist in eroding the safety, security and peaceful existence of our people and visitors alike, then the onus rests not only on the legislators but those who are entrusted to protect and to serve. he security of any nation is one of the most important factors contributing to social and economic development. As such, a country’s security system must be constantly analyzed and assessed to ensure that it remains effective and relevant to the current crime-fighting climate.
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Improved Public Image I therefore strongly encourage you to remain a united force, consistent in our approach to service delivery and concretize the fine tradition of professionalism, which has been a part of our heritage. As a result, the image of dependable public servants will be permanently etched in the As society changes, there is a constant demand minds of the Jamaican people. on the security system of our country and those who are so tasked to deliver this service, must be Finally, as the vanguard of the nation’s security, I concerned with the quality of service they deliver. encourage every member of the Police services to In an organization that is highly service oriented, ensure that the authority entrusted in them is used it is the quality of that service delivered that will with appropriate restraint and that all law abiding mirror and reflect our level of concern for the citizens are treated with respect irrespective of their geographical location. citizens we serve and ourselves.
My task as Commissioner of Police is to ensure Let us continue to unite our efforts for an even that the citizens and visitors of this country are more successful 2015. always safe and receive the greatest level of service possible, while at the same time achieving major crime reduction success.
Carl Williams OD, JP,PhD
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6 The
Operations Portfolio Portfolio
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rom the Marine Division, the Mobile Reserve, and Mounted Troop to the National Intelligence Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Branch, the operations portfolio takes the Constabulary from open sea to land. It is the largest, most diverse arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
In addition to being the collectors and disseminators of intelligence on behalf of the JCF, personnel who work under the operations portfolio form the crime-fighting hub of the Constabulary. It is also the main purveyor of community policing and the main custodian of public order. The diversity of the operations portfolio behoves every ember of the JCF, to not only create effective crime prevention and reduction strategies, but to also manage and develop professional, creative and energetic law enforcement officers. By developing effective standard operating procedures (SOP), the portfolio seeks to outline the mechanics to be employed in not only routine operations, but also in any untoward operations which may confront the members of the force.
the best detectives, the best school resource officers and the best personnel for tactical units. Given the scope and diversity of the operations portfolio, there is a significant need for accountability. Branches, divisions and formations which form part of the operations portfolio are required to produce operational plans, which are regularly assessed and in some cases modified or enhanced to complement the strategic priorities of the organisation. The focus of the present divisional plans is murder reduction, which is to be achieved by targeting gangsters. There is constant assessment of divisional plans, which also provides the control necessary to facilitate accountability. A key part of the work done within the operations portfolio is maintaining an islandwide record of operational activities. This allows us to monitor our crime-fighting initiatives, which then places our operational planners in a better position to deal withjt exigencies which may arise and to maintain operational consistency across the island.
This second edition of the Police Mirror is dedicated to the work and personnel of the In the mission to deliver high quality public safety operations portfolio. I urge members of the services, which will create crime-free communities, organisation to read and become familiar with the the Police have placed emphasis on the training of different elements of the Operations Portfolio – personnel within the Portfolio. The aim is to train allow it to unfold. PM
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Assistant Commissioner of Police Kevin Blake demonstrates the use of the new Electronic Diary PHOTO: Marvin Mothersille
From Diaries to Data By: Donae Walker In an organization marked by oversized books and antiquated practices, the E-Diary initiative is considered a long overdue move toward modernizing the way information is managed within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Many see it as a far-fetched dream, but for Assistant Commissioner of Police Kevin Blake and the members at the National Intelligence Bureau, the E-Diary--the electronic form of storing data--is already a reality. Still, many in the organization are not aware of this. Leafing through a huge, dust-covered, dog-eared station diary, Woman Constable Marsha Miller was a picture of relief when asked if she was aware of the E-Diary initiative being embarked upon by the JCF to eradicate tasks like the one she was performing. “It’s about time,” she quipped. “I have been searching these diaries all morning for an entry I made a little over a year ago. I have always wondered how long it would take for the Force to step up using technology to ease our burdens; it would be a welcomed change.”
Continued on page 43
“It’s about time. I’ve been searching these diaries all morning for an entry I made a little over a year ago...”
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A change is coming! By: Shaunjaye Mitchell When Carl Williams joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in 1984, he had no idea that he would one day lead the organization as Commissioner of Police. As a matter of fact, Williams had no intention of becoming a Police Officer. Williams recalls that he was 19 years old when a friend decided he was going to become a Police Officer. Williams said he gave his friend an application form to submit for him at the recruiting office. He was soon called to sit the entrance test, but his friend did not show up. In 1983 “I went to Duke Street to sit the test. I sat Commissioner of Police Dr. Carl Williams the test in July and was called for training in February the following year.” He said he went PHOTO: Sgt. Shaunjaye Mitchell directly from training into the Special Branch [now defunct] and that would signify the start a very priority of any Commissioner of Police at this time. illustrious career. Dr. Williams added, “... we are going to deal with The job of a Police Officer is never easy and is people with respect [and] it must be done so that often filled with difficult corners and curves but Dr. we can get their cooperation to assist in the Williams said that his journey has been “very very” murder reduction strategy.” rewarding. Having been able to work in several specialized sections in the JCF, Williams said it He lamented the high rate of murders in Jamaica feels like a University. “I have learned and seen a and said he is hoping that during his tenure, it can lot in my 30 years… it has helped me to mature in be reduced to at least 500 per year, which would a way that I could not have done in any other be more manageable. “If I leave it at 500 per year I would be pleased,” added Dr. Williams. profession,” said Dr. Williams.
“We are going to transform the
organization and make it one that is really professional ...”
To support the murder reduction strategy, the Commissioner said that there will be more operations that are better coordinated across all divisions. These operations will have more strategic deployment of resources to foster greater results.
When asked what are his top priorities, Dr. Dr. Williams also said that boosting morale is Williams, without any hesitation said [the reduction among his priorities to ensure that all members of] “murders.” He said that it should be the top Continued on next page
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10 carry out their duties with vigor and in high spirits. He said treating people with respect, irrespective of rank, is critical to boosting morale. “You have to deal with the people who work for you as if they really matter. You have to make each member of the organization feel valued. I can’t be cussing out a man because he is junior to me and think he is going to feel good about himself,” posited Dr. Williams. He said promotions will come where they are deserved but in the meantime improving the working conditions of the members by ensuring that their physical environs are clean and that they have adequate equipment and gear to carry out their duties is the order of the day. Commissioner Williams' ultimate vision is to build a professional police force that is efficient and effective; a police force that people can trust, respect and even love. “We are going to transform the organization and make it one that is really professional and respectful of human rights; members must be accountable to their colleagues, superiors and the citizens,” said Dr. Williams. PM
Facts about Dr. Carl Williams
•1999- Commanding Officer of Corporate Strategy.
+Grew up in Trelawny
Bridgeport Police Station.
+Attended Frankfield Comprehensive High, Clarendon
•Was one of the founding members of the Special Anti-Crime task force.
•Applied to the Police Force in 1983 •Joined the JCF in 1984
•1994Promoted to Superintendent, head of the Kingston Central Police Division.
•Assigned to the Special Branch [now defunct] upon graduation •Worked in St. Mary as a Sergeant in charge of the Islington Police Station •Worked in St Catherine as the Inspector in charge of the
•1996- Promoted Superintendent.
to
Senior
•1997- Commanding Officer of the Narcotics Division •1998- Second in Charge of Corporate Strategy .
•2000- Commanding Officer of the Narcotics Division. •2004- Promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police. •2013 Promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Crime Portfolio. .2014- Promoted to Commissioner of Police.
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Irish Town tops inaugural best station competition Commissioner of Police Dr. Carl Williams and other stakeholders pose with the representative of the Irish Town police station (center). Irish Town topped the Force’s best station competition in 2014. The presentation was made in St. Mary during Police Week 2014.
rom days at the training school to the national sports day held annually in each area, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have always been engaged in friendly rivalry. As such, a best station competition comes as no surprise.
It was made possible through partnership with private sector organizations such as the Jamaica Police Cooperative Credit Union, which assisted with sponsorship as well as assessing the various stations. Members of the judging panel included representatives of the Research Planning and Legal Services Branch, the Police Civilian The best station competition was launched on Oversight Authority and members of the August 25, 2014 with 172 police stations vying for Inspectorate of the Constabulary. the top prize. It was launched to improve members’ compliance with force policies and regulations, to Each station was evaluated based on the build public trust and to restore the image of the administration and operational aspects of the job, constabulary. The competition also focused on with the assessment and evaluation of the stations improving the deportment, team spirit, collective pride and the morale of police officers. Continued on page 49
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Life hanging in the balance:
His determination afforded him the opportunity to become an employment officer at a local company for a short while. Corporal Everton Henry standing on an armoured service During this time Henry was vehicle always observing relatives, who PHOTOS: Georgina Worgs-Sterling were members of the JCF, carrying out their duties and had By: Georgina Worgs-Sterling Jamaica Constabulary Force a change of heart about the path (JCF) was never in the cards for he should take in life. Henry, the second youngest of e were about to six siblings. He was raised in the “I decided I wanted to become a search two men quiet community of Boys Police officer and the next step along Red Hills Content in St. Catherine where was to tell my family about my Road, when I heard an he attended the Boys Content decision,” said Henry. unfamiliar voice shout the words All Age school then went on to ‘Don’t Move’. I turned around study at Old Harbour High His family initially objected which led Henry to reconsider his and was now staring down the School. decision. He went on to work at barrel of a gun.” Nothing could have prepared 37-year-old “After I left Old Harbour High, I the HEART Academy as a preCorporal Everton Henry for that attended the National Training trained teacher. fateful day in November 2012, Agency, the Duff’s Business “While at HEART I decided to when an armed man held a College and I also did a course take a step torwards becoming police constable who was on his through the Penn Foster Career a Police officer without telling my because it was patrol team at gunpoint. He was School in Pennsylvania. I family, left with a difficult decision that wanted to be a motor vehicle something I wanted. I went to would mean life or death for all manufacturer. After I completed Duke Street in 1995 to do the involved. my studies I applied to various Police test, however I was told I places but finding a job was not failed the test. I honestly believed I passed that test, so I Becoming a member of the easy,” said Henry.
“W
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ce: the day he faced the gun allowed some months to pass then I went to Manchester to do the test and passed with flying colours.” Not long after passing the JCF entrance test, Henry was going to interviews and moving forward to achieve his new dream of becoming a member of the constabulary. “One week before I was to go into training at the Jamaica Police Academy (JPA) I told my father; he was shocked and didn’t realize that I was serious about joining the Force,” said Henry. “I told my mother about two days before I was to go into training; she was also shocked.” When asked about his training at JPA, Henry grinned from ear to ear as he remembered the fun times he had.
he served about three years. He then went on to the Special AntiCrime Taskforce on Ruthven Road in St. Andrew, where he served roughly four years. However, the unit was dismantled and most persons were sent to the Mobile Reserve Division where he continues to serve today.
Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
“I believe that we need to have more persons undergo the training we did on the SWAT team,” said Henry. “Tactical policing is very important especially in these days when persons are trying to beat the system by any means and trying While at Mobile Reserve, his to escape the Police but with the hard work and outstanding work SWAT team we have to outthink ethic was noticed and he was tpersons who are not abiding by promoted to the rank of the laws of this land.” corporal. He was also chosen by his superiors to become a The emphasis placed on tactical member of the Special policing proved to be useful for
“I enjoyed every moment of it, I knew it wouldn’t be easy so I geared my mind for whatever. If I had to go back into training for another nine months, I would do it again. It makes you a better person and I had a good relationship with all my batch mates.” He completed his training in December of 2000 and took up his initial posting at the Motorized Patrol Division where
Corporal Everton Henry says he has fallen in love with Policing, and says it’s the best job in the world.
Photo: Georgina Worgs Sterling
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14 Corporal Henry on Friday, November 23, 2012. He reported to the Mobile Reserve for an 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. Henry admitted that the night felt different than other nights he reported for duty. “I could actually sense something because I was saying to the two other police officers who were going to be on my patrol team that policing is a serious matter and when we are at work, we need to be focused,” said Henry.
who was in charge of his team, observed two men who arose his suspicion so he along with his team decided to carry out a search. “It was about 12:15 the morning of November 24, 2012 and I decided to check these guys, so we parked the car and asked the men to stop and I assumed the position to carry out the search, I was about to when I heard someone shout ‘Drop it Don’t move’.” The voice that Cpl. Henry heard was the voice of a man that was not one of the two that he and his team had stopped. The man was holding a gun at the neck of one of Police constables and was threatening to shoot him.
His team then boarded a service vehicle and started their duty traversing the streets of St. Andrew, specifically Cross Roads, Half Way Tree and up to Red Hills Road. While driving along Red Hills Road, Henry, “I could not believe it and my
instincts told me to unsling my weapon and point it at the man asking him to drop his weapon, but he refused and was shouting at me to drop my weapon. That’s when he fired,” said Henry. The assailant fired the first shot at Henry, which miraculously did not hit him, though he was merely a couple feet away. The assailant then fired another shot, which went through Henry’s pocket but did not pierce his skin. “After he fired two shots at me I stood my ground I didn’t even check to see if they had hit me because I knew if I did I would have let my guard down and he would have killed all of us. At that time the two men who we had initially stopped to search had
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Corporal Everton Henry shakes the Commissioner’s hand after being awarded at King’s House PHOTO: Nickoy Miller fled the scene.” Corporal Henry then asked the constable, who was now held hostage by the armed man, to drop his weapon and remain calm. The constable complied and that’s when Henry was forced to make a quick decision. “It was one of two things that was going to happen, either my constable is going to get shot or I’m going to get this guy. I saw an opportunity and was able to discharge a round to the hand of the assailant and another two rounds to his side. I thought I had missed because he continued shouting, but then he fell to the ground. I managed to
disarm him and went to call for backup.” When another team arrived to the scene, the constable who was held hostage had minor injuries and was taken to hospital along with the gunman. The assailant later died at hospital.
would want to work with I would choose the same officers because we have all learned from that experience and would know how to handle situations like those among other incidents.”
Henry believes that the grace of God is what helped them to That day, according to Henry, make it out of that incident has not changed much in his without serious injury. approach to policing and he sees himself as an exceptional “For the first few days after the Policeman. incident I had a lot of emotions especially after I realized how “I am here for the people and for many officers have lost their those who can’t help lives on Red Hills Road. I knew themselves, I am in constant it was divine intervention from training and if they ask me Continued on page 40 tomorrow which police officers I
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By: Junior Green ENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF Police Calvin Allen, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s new traffic boss, describes himself as a simple member of the Constabulary who still believes that manners and respect will bring you through the world. He says amidst the decay of the moral fiber within the society, he remains a humble man from Guys Hill, St. Mary.
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Allen, a 27-year veteran of the Constabulary is a graduate of the St. Mary High School. Though he grew up in a largely agrarian community, he says he saw the need to pursue higher education; so while serving in the Constabulary, he successfully completed a first degree and later, a master’s degree at the University of the West Indies, Mona. His astute performance in the program earned him a full scholarship at the National Defense University in Washington, United States of America where he widened his academic base in the same field of study. After over a quarter century of service, Allen, who started his tenure within the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), reckons he is still passionate about the job and believes he has a lot to contribute to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and law enforcement in general. He says he takes nothing for granted and appreciates having a job that allows him to serve people and contribute to nation building. He fondly recalls being one of the first ‘blue seam’ instructors who was allowed to teach ‘red seam’ Police—a sterling achievement at the time. He remains grateful to then Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of training, Jevene Bent (who later became the first woman to hold the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Caribbean). He indicated that she made the bold move of making him an instructor after he performed exceptionally on a course at training school. Allen spent six years as an instructor and went on to hold the position of Training and Recruiting Officer in the ISCF as an Assistant Commander, with overall responsibility for basic training. According to Allen, one of his greatest achievements is the ascension of some of his students to the ranks of Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent. In 2003 he was promoted to the rank of Commander; he was made Assistant Commandant in 2006 and he was confirmed as a Deputy Commandant in 2012. He has served in almost every area of the ISCF, from the Operations Portfolio, to Human Resource Management to Admin and Support Services.
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TRAFFIC HAS A NEW BOSS SSP Calvin Allen, officer in charge of the Traffic Division. PHOTO: JIS
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TRAFFIC BOSS
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Continued from page 17 Following the merger of the ISCF and the JCF, Calvin Allen took over the wheels of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Island Traffic Headquarters, effective September 1, 2014. Speaking with Police Mirror, he boasted he has a staff that is as energetic, dedicated and passionate towards their duties as he is, which allows for a cohesive relationship and their full support.
d ing motorist + a carefree pedestrian = 0. spee The zero signifiesno more life. When asked if there was another legislative move to support law enforcement, SSP Allen reported that the Road Traffic Act is currently under parliamentary review and several amendments are being suggested. One such suggestion is that all drivers seeking a licence undergo a medical examination to ensure competence before going
speeding motorist + carefree pedestrian = zero life
In going forward Allen noted the need to refer to statistical data in order to find out some of the major causes of casualties on the road and to assist with new strategies of law enforcement. Allen remains adamant that high visibility Policing, reassurance and education are some measures needed to address the problems on the roads. He on the road. The current case is that only persons also lamented that pedestrian fatalities continue going for a general licence are required to do a medical examination while statistics suggest that to lead the statistics on road fatalities. private motor vehicles are more frequently As a result in October 2014, SSP Allen took to the involved in fatal accidents than public passenger streets and spoke to drivers across the corporate vehicles. area as a part the ‘Drive for Life Campaign’ which was recently launched in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Continued on page 20 encouraging motorist to drive with more care and to drive with the objective of preserving lives. He also made another visit to converse with pedestrians who he noted, with great concern, to be poor road users. Pedestrians were observed to be texting, talking on their phones, using earphones and other gadgets which cause them to be oblivious of what is happening around them. He noted that many could not hear the honk of a horn from an oncoming vehicle and were seen scampering feverishly from the oncoming traffic. He stressed the need to wear light coloured clothing at night and to generally exercise more SSP Calvin Allen addresses youngsters in Half Way Tree, St. Andrew caution while using public thoroughfares. PHOTO: JIS He said he gave them an equation, one careless
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BOSS...
Continued from page 18 Allen said that driving is a full time job that requires 100 percent of your attention. Statistics suggest many drivers are distracted before an accident which causes them to drift to the left or right of the roadway. He added that an assessment of the road network to see where a traffic light at a particular point would aid in the free flow of traffic has been done in Kingston and Portmore, St. Catherine and some strategic changes will be implemented. One achievement he would want in 2015 is a decentralization of the Road Safety Unit, which is at the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Island Traffic Headquarters. The proposal is to have miniature units in each Police area to reach a wider crosssection of society. The Road Safety Unit conducted over 116 lectures in 2014. About 3,000 individuals, the majority of whom (about 2,700) were school children, were reached. “I understand the constraints of the country at this time and I will not go and bawl about what we don’t have in terms of vehicles, rather I encourage my staff to do the best with what we have and to find innovative ways of getting the job done.” He also recognized the involvement of corporate Jamaica and stressed that the JCF will continue to increase efforts to enforce and educate our road users to ultimately create safer streets. PM
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Ninth time JCF, ISCF Merger
c
e
r
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is the charm
complete after years of trying By: Youlanda Henry A trip to Harman Barracks in Vineyard Town, St. Andrew, once the bustling headquarters of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), will yield a different experience than if one visited in late 2014. Where Police officers decked in blueseamed pants once darted across the parking lot from office to office or bustled into service vehicles to start their tour of duty, there is now only red to be seen, as those who once served as the nation’s reserve law enforcers are now proud members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). In February 2014, when Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, announced that the JCF and ISCF would become one, many scoffed at the idea. The move was first recommended more than two decades ago, and though many talked about it since then, all nine attempts ended in failure. So when news broke in May 2014, that the documentation needed for the merger to become a reality was gazetted, disbelief quickly became apprehension. “We had many questions. Would we lose our years of service? Would we maintain our current rank? What of the pending promotional exams in
the JCF? Would we be allowed to sit them?” said a former ISCF member. Hence, a merger implementation task force was set up in March to address members’ concerns and deal with any teething pains that arose. The task force consisted of several sub-committees, namely: the legislative sub-working group, the operational sub-working group, the administrative working group and the communications and cultural integration sub working group. A mentorship programme was also established. Utilising the JCF internal email system, the team issued many communiques, dealing with members’ most pressing concerns. Addressing the issue of the reason for the merger, the task force explained, “... the ISCF has, functionally, become a parallel police department with the JCF...The two organizations therefore should be acting in concert with each other...therefore, merging of the ISCF with the JCF is a strategic move for greater efficiencies and coordination in crime fighting and ensuring public order.” The
Continued on page 56
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The Spiritual Life
Contributed by: Chaplaincy Branch
n considering the spiritual well being of Police Officers one must first establish the meaning of the word spiritual. The Apostle Paul, in addressing the Galatian church, made reference to those who are spiritual.
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The spiritual are those whose lives demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. In Ephesians 5:22 these are identified as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. Those of us who are spiritual, live with the awareness that there is a spiritual authority that indwells, in ways that summon us to be the very best that we can become. Those who are spiritual walk with a practical, purposeful, barrier busting, life changing attitude. This is the dynamic way in which those who live spirit-filled lives make a difference every day. The spiritual life rejects vain glory, envy, malice, bitterness, murder-minded behaviour and resentment. There is a kind of spirituality that is Pharisaic in nature. This kind thinks much of itself. This kind of person believes himself or herself to be superior to others, without realising that in God's sight he/she is nothing. Pharisaic spirituality allows a person to be full of pride, to deceive himself/herself, to become obsessed with selfsatisfaction, to be unsympathetic, severe and uncaring.
paramount importance. At the centre of this spiritual awareness is the link between our relationship with God and the way that relationship sets the standard for all other relationships, especially those whom we have covenanted to serve and protect. There is a direct link between a right relationship with God, with our selves, and with people. Spiritual well-being necessitates conviction of our own sinfulness, repentance, conversion, salvation and reconciliation with God and with our fellow human beings. Being in a right relationship with God, makes us sons and daughters of God as well as covenant partners with the Lord Jesus Christ. Under this covenant relationship, we are guaranteed God's protection, we have full access to His infinite power and wisdom, and we have access to His eternal reservoir of grace. When we are in a right relationship with God, then like the Psalmist we can confidently declare: God is our refuge and strength. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should be changed, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Officers of the law have the task of maintaining law and order and upholding righteousness, (right doing to God and to human kind) justice and peace. This task cannot be done effectively and meaningfully without spiritual maturity. Can a person genuinely care and The spiritual life is the full and fulfilling life, the protect without love? Can one who is unjust abundant and the victorious life. The evidence of give justice? Can one who is unrighteous do this spiritual life is not some private mystical right to God and right to his fellow man? experience of our own, but our practical relationships of love with other people.
If we are to truly protect the people of this land, if we are to uphold justice and The spiritual well-being of Police Officers is of maintain law and order our Contd on page 49
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Don’t let complacency sink in
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omplacency can be a major problem not only for those who work on the street but those who dispatch and supervise. It is that monkey on your back that can get you killed if you’re not aware and attentive.
We often hear news where one of our own is injured or killed even during minor incidents. That in itself is one of the problems. Words like ‘minor’, ‘routine’ and ‘nuisance call’ should be removed from your thinking and your vocabulary. Dispatchers send out calls as they receive them, some with more urgency than others. But do not let the level of urgency shown by the disptacher guide how you approach a situation. That thinking could prove fatal.They are not the ones on the front line; you are the one who will walk into the problem at hand, you are the one who ultimately gets to the root of the problem.
subject may have just left the scene of a crime. Complacency comes from many places such as distraction from the job because of problems or events at home. Maybe you’re leaving for vacation in a few days so your mind is there. How about that boat or new car you’re buying or just bought. Maybe there’s a new girlfriend or boyfriend, sickness at home, trouble with a loved one. What about all those electronic gadgets we have today? They can be a distraction if used while working. Get your eyes off those screens and fingers off those keys. Get your head up; look around, and pay attention. All these things will take your thoughts off the job and put you in an unprepared state of mind.
Supervisors too should know their officers and The minor traffic accident, the routine traffic stop, understand when they are happy or showing the annoying dog complaint- all these things set signs of trouble. They are responsible for keeping a tone of “no urgency... bothersome... no big them focused on the job at hand. deal... easy in easy out.” Nevertheless, while complacency can get you The minor traffic accident might be minor in the killed, paranoia can make you crazy. Find the sense of damage and injuries but who is involved middle ground. Don't leave your life in the hands and what is going on in their mind when you arrive of luck and wishful thinking. Be tactical always and may not be minor. Maybe you have a wanted taxi get that pension you so deserve. PM operator who knows once you start seeking information he or she may be exposed. Or the
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The Anti Gang Unit 25
By: Junior Green
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amaica’s rise to the top tiers of the murder ranking in the world can be traced back to the 1970s, when organised criminal gangs first came to the fore. Assessments of crime data from that time, and especially over the last five years, show that criminal gangs account for close to 80 per cent of murders committed annually. Other categories, such as shooting, robbery, extortion and kidnapping are also dominated by gangs.
Top Priority Therefore, the Ministry of National Security, recognising that any effort to reduce murder to a tolerable level must also be an effort to effectively confront gangs, has successfully beseeched parliament for greater legislative support. This has resulted in the passage of several pieces of legislation, including an amendment to the Criminal Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreements) Act and the The Evidence (Special Measures Act) and the passing of the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act in 2014.
In tandem with the passage of the latter, The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) National Strategic Anti-Gang Investigative Unit, based at the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Unit (CTOC) was established. For Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Samuel Blake,who heads the unit, the mandate of the JCF Anti-Gang Unit is about improving the lives of ordinary Jamaicans, and involves “the reduction of fear and incidence of violent crimes attributed to gangs, reducing the impact of criminal gangs and their activities on the quality of life for citizens in affected communities and degrading the capability of gangs in Jamaica.” He told Police Mirror that the unit operates with an islandwide scope of influence by partnering with other divisions and units in the JCF to build its intelligence base and respond effectively to gangs who require immediate action. Pressently, the unit concentrates its efforts on the country’s top gangs--third and second generation gangs. However, it also coordinates activities aimed at dismantling other gangs that actively support these gangs. PM
MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE ANTI-GANG UNIT Dismantling organised gangs by arresting and prosecuting gang leaders and core gang members. Improving intelligence gathering and information sharing on gangsters and their activities among all of law enforcement entities Collating information from stakeholders to produce periodic and strategic assessments on gang size, structure, modus operandi and recruitment methods for evidencebased decision making Providing assessments of the threat facing Jamaica from criminal gangs
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CANINE DIVISION MAKING STRIDES By: Renee Barham n 1954, three members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force left Jamaica for the United States of America. They returned as expert dog handlers, and brought back with them three German Shepherds who were trained police dogs. The Canine Unit was born.
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A division since 1979, Canine has undergone many changes over the years, and it was a superbly proud Superintendent Enid Ross, a 23year veteran of the JCF who has been in charge of the Canine Division since May 2009, who sat along with Sergeant Eyton Kerr – the primary trainer – to tell Police Mirror about the operations of the division. Multiplied Ross told the Police Mirror that today, the staff complement has swelled from three to 54, which includes police officers of various ranks as well as district constables; there are also 10 civilians. There are three puppies, but the adult dog population now stands at 41. The breeds of dogs at the division are Labrador, Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Superintendent Ross explained that the function of the Canine Division is to detect narcotic substances, guns and explosives. It is operated 24/7, and the main operation of the division is done daily at the airports, wharfs and the Central Sorting Office – the hub for mails being sent across the
A Corporal Otar poses with his dog for our cameras. Photo: CCU island and internationally. She added that from time-to-time, the division collaborates with other divisions, especially when conducting curfews, cordon and searches, and raids. The services of the division are also periodically requested by entities such as the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and the Ministry of Labour. Optimism amidst Challenges With much optimism, Superintendent Ross said, “We are hoping that the dogs will be used for crowd control and search and rescue; that is our aim right now.” The divisional head alluded to a lack of resources as the major challenge. “Some of the challenges faced by us are the shortage of motor vehicles – most of them are old
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Canine division making strides or are at the garage - and a shortage of personnel. However, we are currently in the process of recruiting 20 district constables who will increase the staff complement. We also bought over 30 dogs last year and have applied for motor vehicles.” She continued, “Despite these challenges, we have to continue because of the demand.” Bold Step For example, in 2001, lack of adequate governmental support resulted in a shortage of funds to purchase dogs overseas, and the future of the Division was on tethers. But, as the Canine Division had its own resident trainer – Sergeant Eyton Kerr - who was certified as an instructor in 1987, the Canine Division took a bold step, and took a decision to purchase and train dogs locally.
Division’s 41 hardworking dogs on duty, to catch the contraband before it leaves Jamaica. “The Canine Division is the last line of security when detecting narcotics,” she said, before going on to explain that “if the dogs were not there, some drugs would probably go undetected and the proceeds from these drugs would go on to fund criminal activities.” Grave Consequences In addition, Superintendent Ross told Police Mirror that there are grave consequences when narcotics are not detected locally. If they are found overseas, and are deemed to have originated in Jamaica, one of several things can happen. If the contraband is discovered amongst a shipment that was sent by sea, the entire shipment is confiscated and the license of the shipper is revoked. If it is detected amongst the cargo of an airplane, or on the person of an airline passenger, the airline is fined and the Jamaican government also has to pay a fine.
Superintendent Ross hails that decision as one of, if not the principal, success of the division thus far. The decision, she explained, resulted in savings of between 30 and 50 million annually, and ensured that the Canine Division would be fully self-sufficient. And, because of the continued The ground and kennel staff, who could be seen success of the division, they now provide training doing their daily maintenance at the time the Police Mirror visited the division’s headquarters for another Caribbean island, Montserrat. at Up Park Camp – its home since 1979, received high praises from their boss. Extremely Important When asked how important the Canine division is to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, “They treat the dogs as their own. They take the Superintendent Ross exclaimed, “Wow, extremely initiative, and take pride in their work,” she said. important!” Most Memorable She explained that although there are several “I was pleased to watch the dogs grow and to get technological measures in place at the nation’s major ports to detect contraband, the measures feedback from persons that it won’t work, but seeing the effort through the staff and to have our are not foolproof, and they sometimes fail. first graduation of seven dogs and seven handlers And when they do, it is up to one of the Canine - all being district constables - in March 2010, gave me goose pimples, and made me very proud.” PM
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GUILTY: By: Shaunjaye Mitchell
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A crime fighter follows the clues
Shernett Crescent, Washington Gardens on November 7, 2004. He was stabbed 75 times by e leaned forward, almost at the edge of his attackers – two women, whom he had taken the black leatherette chair. Maybe it was to his house that evening. not the kind he was accustomed to in Confessions his elaborate office as Crime Chief of Area 4. But one thing was certain about this 25-year veteran in the Jamaica Constabulary Force The intensive investigation by the sleuth enabled (JCF) - his ability to secure convictions of him to get confessions from the women, to recover the Inspector’s service pistol that the hardcore criminals. women stole, the m urder weapons, and the killers’ Superintendent of Police (SP) Michael Phipps’ 18 names - Janice Burgess and Sheneka Smith. years experience as a detective has earned him the reputation of being a tough and unassuming “The case that was built against the women was crime fighter. And among all the cases he has so strong that they plead guilty and were to life imprisonment,” the investigated, he pointed to three as being his most sentenced superintendent said, beaming with pride. significant.
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“Interestingly, my most significant cases were all in the St. Andrew South Division-three of them. These were the Detective Corporal Dave Daley case, the Inspector Ansell Dwyer case and the Greenwich Town case.”
One year later, SP Phipps, still an Inspector then, had his responsibilities elevated to acting deputy superintendent in charge of crime for the St. Andrew South Division. It was during that same year that the Greenwich Town case, according to him, “fell in his lap.”
SP Phipps’ command of policing laws and policies enabled him to guide every step of the “I was at my office one day when the murder of investigation, resulting in convictions in all three two females was brought to my attention. This cases. Inspector Dwyer was killed at his home at Continued on page 33
Members of the JCF who were awarded at the 2014 National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House on Heores Day. PHOTO: Nickoy Miller
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33 Continued from page 29
the women were never found.
Having satisfied himself that the women were in fact dead, the search was called off and the The Crime Chief said he was informed that a investigation was treated as a major homicide. group of patrons and workers were at a bar in the Newport West area when several men went The names of men who were deemed persons there and robbed members of the group of cash of interest were obtained and the assistance of and jewellery. The hoodlums then abducted the public was sought in locating them. One of these men was held at the Sangster International three of the women, including the bar maid. Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, as he The women were taken to Greenwich Town attempted to leave the island for the United football field where they were joined by other States of America. Four others were men, making a total of nine. The merciless subsequently arrested in police operations. villains then took turns in sexually assaulting the women, and reportedly made them commit acts Identification parades were arranged and four of the five men were pointed out by the sole of sodomy. survivor, Mary*. They then took the women to the Greenwich Town Sewerage Treatment Plant where they shot Mr. Phipps explained though, that based on the them several times and threw them into the strength of the evidence, all five were charged. sewerage main, leaving them to die. However, one of the women was able to crawl out and The fifth person, however, was to be used as a made her way to Union Gardens, a nearby crown witness against the other four, having community where she was assisted by the given a statement in which he admitted being residents and taken to the Hunts Bay Police present at the scene of the crime but played no active part. Station.
was in October 20, 2005.”
Leading the charge “Owing to the nature and gravity of the circumstances, this case required someone who had the requisite skills and experience to lead the charge and I saw myself as that top person to lead that charge,” said the confident crime chief.
He never testified He was killed by his cronies, who suspected that he would ‘snitch’ on them.
In the absence of a crown witness, Phipps’ task of cracking the case became heavily dependent on forensic evidence. This was supported, Mr. Phipps and his team started out by trying to Phipps says, by a “perfect” testimony from Mary, find the missing women. He knew that the who stood her ground, defiant, under intensive sewerage at Greenwich Town exited near the cross examination by the defence. Kingston wharf, so he sought the assistance of the manager of the National Water Commission Judge Smith presided over the three-week trial and Security Administration Limited at the wharf. at the Home Circuit Court. Phipps says although He was given a blueprint of the sewerage, divers he was confident he had built a strong case, he still felt a little nervous as the decision was read and underwater cameras. out. An intensive three-month search followed, but
Continued on page 37
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I
would give my life for you in an instant, whether you are a stranger or friend. I do not ask what in your life you have done wrong up to this point, I act on instinct to protect and save whether you are a perfect saint or a convicted violent offender, because that is my job.
To Serve and to Protect
second, knowing about the life he has already taken I have a choice, take his life, lose my own, lose my partners or lose some one else's because this man has killed before. My choice comes too slowly and my partner falls, a bullet to his head ends his life and widows his new wife. Who of you will mourn his loss as he bleeds to death at my I am a Police Officer and when I chose to feet? I make another choice, the gunman wear the uniform, I chose to help those in falls. TV cameras roll in and the felon’s family need. Each call I take could be my last. I screams that I am the murderer. accept that and each day I put on the uniform, I say goodbye to my family and I I am the one who has done wrong, as I look walk out onto the streets, knowing that today at the ambulance driving my dead partner to could be the day I don't come home at the the hospital. I go out every day and wonder end of my shift. if today will be my last because I wear a uniform. I protect you and your family, You look at me and criticize the choices that sometimes at the cost of my own. I protect I make. I am wrong when a felon pulls a your life and your property with my fellow weapon and I have to pull my trigger, officers who choose to wear the uniform. We knowing that if I don't one of you might die in all made the same choice, the choice to his stead because you were in the wrong protect and serve those in need. We don't place at the wrong time. The choice I make ask questions when we have to act to save is a split second one and it is a choice of his a life, we act. life, my partner’s life, your life or my life. That is what I am trained for. You mourn the punks and the gangsters, the murderers, the thieves, child molesters and I go to a call of domestic violence, I walk in killers. You mourn the innocents killed in the and pull a man off of a woman who has been gang wars, robberies, car jackings and beaten bloody. Yet as I walk him to the door murders. But on the day I don my uniform, in handcuffs, the same beaten, bloodied say goodbye to my family and the first call I woman stabs me in the back, to save the take that day is my last, who of you will same man that would have killed her only mourn me as they put me to my final rest? moments before.
Who of you, that I have chosen to protect and serve will stand beside my brothers and I go to a call for a car jacking; the suspect sisters in uniform and look my family in the comes out with a gun, the same gun he had eye as they lower me into the cold dark just used to kill the owner of the car. In a split grave?
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Guilty! A crimefighter follows the clues Continued from page 33 But his fears were unwarranted. Death sentence Chadrick Gordon was given two death sentences; Marlon Duncan, Desmond Kennedy and Alton Heath were all given two counts of life imprisonment at hard labour. The sentences are to run concurrently and the convicts will not be eligible for parole before 35 years. Two years after, in 2007, Corporal Dave Kelly was attacked by four men and shot while transacting business in Duhaney Park, St. Andrew. One of his attackers was killed in the incident, and the mantle was once more passed to SP Phipps to find the remaining three killers. Two of them were fatally shot by police in operations, but the other who was eventually identified as
Christopher Tomas, was caught and placed before the court. When the trial date was set, the presiding judge sentenced Tomas to life without eligibility for parole before 30 years. Unlike the other cases, this one did not heavily rely on forensic science, except for the ballistic evidence that showed that Daley was shot by three different guns. “I got a conviction for the killer!” said the Superintendent, this time in an outburst – a stark contrast to his usually sombre demeanour. The three most significant cases of the unassuming Superintendent Phipps are behind him. But his job of crime fighting has not yet climaxed. He stated that he loves what he does and always wants to stay ahead of his game; ahead of criminals who try to outwit the
cops. Senior Superintendent Cornwall ‘Bigga’ Ford described DSP Phipps as meticulous in his work and lauded his contribution to the investigations of many crimes over the years. “I have watched him mature to be a very good investigator. He’s not a loud mouthed person, but very articulate, meticulous and follows the lead aggressively. He is a leader and a team player, who has helped to train some of the best detectives under my command at the flying squad. We have an established training partnership and when my officers are trained by DSP Phipps and his team, when they return I get value for money.” SSP Ford believes Phipps is charting his way to the top. “If he continues, I honestly see him heading the Criminal Investigations Branch at some stage.” PM *Name changed
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keep a watchful eye on Contributed by: Medical Services Branch
L
aw enforcement has been described as one of the most stressful jobs in the world exposing such persons to increased risk of insults to their physical and mental health. The inherent stressors associated with police work must be addressed in order to avoid or delay the development of, or the worsening of such conditions/situations as alcoholism, depression, domestic violence, divorce, and chronic lifestyle diseases.
The picture is made worse by the fact that many police personnel worldwide tend to shun health services, particularly mental health services. Given the nature and importance of policing in our society, it is critical that officers function at peak performance levels. At recruitment, the best of the crop of force applicants; academically, physically and mentally are selected for training. It is desirable that this health situation be maintained or enhanced throughout their tenure in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). However, what is noticed in
many instances is a failure to adopt the kind of lifestyle management that would rebound to increased chances of longevity with a good quality of life. To maintain brevity we will examine three issues:
So what are some of the pointers to help us? •Avoid becoming overweight obeseThe quality, frequency and content of our meals are important in weight management.
•Officers should avoid large 1. Lifestyle Diseases amounts of calorie-rich food 2. Stress and its Management and avoid having meals close 3. Screening for cancers to bedtime. Care must also be taken to ensure that the Lifestyle Diseases nutritional requirements are Lifestyle diseases are those appropriate for one’s state of diseases which are related to, or health. The body’s metabolic associated with, how we live our rate is more likely to be lives. Although we are unable to maintained at a higher level if totally prevent some ailments the meals are broken down into from afflicting us, oftentimes we smaller, more frequent, meals. can delay their onset and level of A higher metabolic rate means their severity by choices that we more calories are burnt. make. This category of diseases tend to be the chronic non- •Exercise is of extreme communicable diseases importance in weight (CNCD’s), but could also be management. It is also of great from infectious diseases value in allowing for clearer acquired from lifestyle such as thinking and decision making. the Human Immunodeficiency It contributes significantly to us Virus (HIV) which is a chronic having a more restful sleep, a communicable disease, or requirement for optimum Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) functioning. which causes cervical cancer.
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stress and your health Managing Stress Stress is ubiquitous and unavoidable. As long we are alive we must face stressful situations. There is good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). The mindset with which we approach adverse circumstances, situations and relationship issues will determine whether or not we will grow through the stressors or whether they will impact us negatively. Some of the ways that we deal with stress include: •Practice relaxation techniques (these can be taught by any mental health practitioner) •Practice meditation •Practice planning leisure time into your agenda. .Stop to appreciate the ‘small’ things in life, practice to say a kind word to people, take a few minutes to observe nature •Take time-out (a break) from the work as the needs arise •Make time to exercise •Talk to a trusted friend ( or seek professional counseling) •Learn how to manage your time •Delegate some of your responsibilities where possible
•Take time to rest/sleep •Attend to your spiritual growth and development •Learn to prioritize and how to say ‘NO! •Practice contentment •Practice to forgive Screening It is very important to screen for both psychological and medical disorders. This will detect health problems in their early stages where interventions are more effective. There is a wide range of screening tests for detecting the various psychological disorders that exist. Some can be self-administered while others have to be administered by a trained mental health practitioner. Many screening tests for medical disorders can be done in the generalpractitioner’s office or by appointment at the Medical Services Branch (MSB). Screening for chronic disorders such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus,hypercholesterolemia, obesity and HIV are offered free to members at the MSB. Police personnel in all age groups should screen for these. Women should do monthly
breast self-examinations as well as encourage their own doctor to do their breast examination when they visit for other concerns. They should also do annual papsmears to check for cervical cancer and mammograms (after age 40) to check for breast cancer. Men should do their Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) annually, to check for prostate cancer. It would be good if every member of the force does an annual check-up. All persons who are forty years and older should have an Executive Profile. This involves the laboratory examination of samples of blood, urine and feces; providing a great deal of information on most of the organ systems within the body. Screening for large bowel cancers should begin at age 50. Police work ia stressful and there are numerous mechanisms established within organisations such as the JCF that assist members in dealing with stress. Screening, detection and intervention is critical to mainting and improving Police Health. PM
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Police Youth Clubs
The Police Youth Club movement is the conduit through which the JCF moulds and provides a positive influence on the young people of this country. As a direct result of this mandate, Police Youth Clubs have been instrumental in developing programmes to meet the ever changing and challenging needs of young people - guiding and steering them in the direction of being worthwhile and productive citizens of Jamaica. HISTORY In the 1950’s when an Acting Corporal stationed at the Sandy Bay Police Station in Hanover went outside the ambit of regular policing and settled a family dispute by way of mediation, no one had an inkling that this initiative would lead to the formation of Jamaica’s first Police Youth Club.
Today, there are over 400 Police Youth Clubs located in the 19 Police Geographic Divisions. This growth is a clear indication of the importance the JCF places in developing strong and robust police-
...day he faced the gun continued from page 15
citizen relationship especially with our young people.
Youth Clubs have over the years successfully identified and developed the leadership skills and competencies of our young people. Police Youth Clubs are engaged in other aspects of community life, such as caring for the elderly, adopting and developing basic schools, hosting and engaging in sporting activities and harnessing the entrepreneurial skills of its members by promoting the benefits of efficiently managing small or micro business enterprises. They also contribute in developing administrative skills, etiquette and other value systems. The Police Youth Club Movement has a heavy focus on the development of self-esteem, self-actualization and other aspects of personal skills thereby enhancing the process of problem solving and interpersonal and social relationships.
God, because although we are trained anything could have happened,” said Henry. In 2014, it was published in the Force Orders, that Henry would be receiving a national medal of gallantry for bravery after senior officers and members of the Chaplaincy Unit recommended him for the award. He received this award on Heroes Day, October 20, 2014. “I will remember that day; it was a bit joyful but a bit sad because when I look back, not many Police officers have had the privilege of marching to receive a medal, especially those who died in the line of duty. I always wanted a day to come when I would receive something, andt it did came through for me,” said Henry. PM
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He is a graphic artist “I am an artist. Not a singer or a DJ but rather a painter and I do all kinds of other stuff. I am a graphic artist as well.”
[years old] or so.
POLICE MIRROR: When did you first take art seriously?
WILLIAMS: When I POLICE MIRROR: was in university How long have you doing my first degree been expressing your (Bachelor of Arts), it artistic talent? meant that I would need to have a certain WILLIAMS: I am not number of credits sure that I can still do based on Arts good painting courses. I had to do because I have not 14 hours of arts to done it in years; qualify for the B.A., so basically 30 years. I did fine arts and I When I was at school, had to produce some I did quite a bit of works, which I had not painting. I don’t recall done for years. I did developing portraits of famous Americans and I got an interest in it. I just an A, having not done knew I could [paint] anything like this in since I was about four years.
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WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER Corporal Robert Sortie Constable Neville Foreman Corporal Ransford Durrant Constable Andrade Dickinson Rev. Dr. Vivian Panton Special Constable Kenard Chong Special Constable Troy Foster Special Constable Dowan Peart Constable Ricardo McKenzie Constable Richard Johnson District Constable Dennis Davis Corporal Andrew Smith Woman Constable Danielle Morgan Dist. Cons. Bryan Gray Sergeant Courtnie Simpson Constable Michael Townsend Dist. Cons. Edgerton Blackwood Constable Davion Williams Sergeant Ludlow Mowatt Constable Richardo McKay Constable Conloy Reid Coroporal Alphonso Gossop Special Constable Ricahrd Laing Constable Dave Shackleford Woman Constable Tashauna Reid Constable Kavaughn Williams Constable Omar Elliott Corporal Neville Jamieson Special Constable Jermain Bartley Dist. Cons. Ivor Groves Dist. Cons. Rupert Bowen Special Constable Ariana Henry Constable Nyrone Walfall Special Corporal Gary Brown W/Dist. Cons. Karlene Williams Barnett Corporal Milton Thomas
Motorized Patrol division St. Thomas Division Manchester Division Chaplaincy Services Branch ISCF Headquarters St. Elizabeth Division ISCF Headquarters Mobile Reserve Mobile Reserve Clarendon Division Police Control Center St. Elizabeth Division St. James Division Protective Services Division St. Elizabeth Division St. Elizabeth Division Hanover Division St. Catherine South Division St. James Division Marine Division Protective Services Division ISCF St. Ann Division NIB St. James Division Trelawny Division Protective Services Division St. James Division Denham Town Police Station Remand Center ISCF Technical Services Division ISCF St. Ann Division St. Catherine South Division
“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others� - Mahatm a
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Corporal Junior Green makes an entry in the Station Diary PHOTO: Davion Wilson
...Diaries to Data Cont’d This was a sentiment echoed through several divisions. However, some members were doubtful about the usefulness and the practicality of the idea, questioning how it would fit into difficult shifts and remote rural stations with poor connectivity. Others were dubious that it would come to fruition. “It’s an awesome idea,” said one member, who asked not to be named, “but the big question is whether or not it will be actualized knowing how the force always has ideas but no action plan.”
For many years, the Force and its external partners have been talking about the manual record keeping it employs. Blake explained that’s why the SARDONYX CIMS database was expanded to the extent where it now accommodates many of the diaries which have already been digitized. “Many persons do not know this but, the E-Station diaries do not mark the first of this series,” Blake said, explaining that the CIMS database already computerizes other diaries, such as the crime diary.
Officer in charge of area three, Assistant DRIVING THOUGHTS Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kevin Blake, who Part of the rationale behind the E-Diary initiative is overseeing the transition of various diaries used is the ability to link different pieces of data across within the organization into E-Diaries, is optimistic different divisions. E-Diaries also enable the about the project. hierarchy to identify trends across divisions; this plays a pivotal role in crime fighting, as statistics “The E-Station diary initiative is a project that have shown that a crime can start in one parish looks at creating electronic station diaries,” Blake and culminate in a different parish--a fact that has intimated, “We are computerizing station diaries across the island.” Continued on next page
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internet where it is a public network with a private proven problematic for investigators. Further, channel. This JCF-owned network has a capacity criminals have taken to fleeing their homes and of 150 megabytes per second, and is used to run re-settling elsewhere to avoid detection and the police radios; nevertheless, over 80% of its penalization. This too, has proven a stumbling capacity unutilized. block for crime fighters over the years, as there was no easy way to share the information and Security is also ensured with differentiated usage make the relevant links, because crime books rights. This means that there are different and station diaries are centred around a specific activities a user can do and different modules that geographic space and the linkages between what can be accessed by different users. ACP Blake happens there and other divisions cannot be explained that “within a module there are different activities, for example there is a crime readily established. management module so you may or may not be able to access this module and if you are able to INTEGRITY AND SECURITY According to Blake, another reason for the E- access the module then you may be able to view Diary initiative is “simply the state of our diaries, a file but not save it.” The Information and and the ability to assure the public that we have Communication Technology Branch (ICT) has secure record keeping.” Additionally, he says the taken the security of this database a step furthercost of station diaries is prohibitive. Each book -they have tied security down to the record level, costs over $20,000 JMD and some stations use where different users may be authorized to view up to five weekly. He added that handling by and/or save records, but another person may not various persons often leaves station diaries in a be authorized to view another user’s records. deplorable state, which compromises the information contained therein. Storage of diaries has also proven to be problematic in terms of space and quality maintenance, and this too, Blake says, compromises the integrity of the information in the books.
According to Blake, who listed integrity as one of his core values as well of one of the benefits to be realized from the project, “to ensure integrity of any information you have to first assure the consumers of that information that there is sufficient amount of security and access control With the E-Station Diaries, many persons are to the data.” critical and reserved, but Blake says he can give assurance the electronic diaries are more secure In explaining the other level of security of the EStation Dairy, the ACP asked “What makes a than the manual ones. station diary credible in court?” “The layers of security that we can put in to ensure the protection and integrity of the data is The answer was it is a book; it is a serialized type far more than you can do with a manual system,” of records keeping artefact, which means that once a date has passed, no one can go back and he asserted. fix the data in a bid to deceive. This feature has There are several layers of security for this been replicated in the E-Station Diary. Once you database. It is currently running on a microwave enter a record, it is time-sensitive, meaning network, which is a private network and not an records cannot be revisited and edited once a
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45 prescribed length of time has passed. The E-Sation Diary also has advantages over its paper counterpart. Whereas someone can rip a page or destroy an entire book, no one can rip records from the E-Station Diary. Also, the electronic diary allows for an audit trail to be created. An audit trail he explained, operates like a camera over the user, where “every single action, every mouse click, everything” is recorded. Blake said the the organization will now have to hold discussions with the judiciary to have them recognize and accept things from the electronic station diary as admissible in a court of law. He disclosed that that aspect of the project is being spearheaded by Senior Superintendent O’Connor of the Legal Services Branch, the head of the Criminal Investigative Branch and the Commissioner of Police.
The ACP, who lives for computer science and technological advancement, has found a merger of these two areas and has proven a force to be reckoned with. Blake is the holder of a bachelor's degree in computer science and mathematics and a master’s degree in computer-based management information systems, both acquired at the University of the West Indies, Mona. He worked with National Commercial Bank (NCB) at the computer centre for a number of years, before leaving NCB to work with Decision Support System--a software development company. He later started doing mainly freelance programming/software development. An expert in the field, the assistant commissioner
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LASCO TOP COP 2014
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By: Shaunjaye Mitchell
oman corporal Hodel Harris was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude on Tuesday, February 25, as she was bestowed with the coveted Lasco Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Police Officer of the Year title for 2013-2014.
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Harris was humbled by the award and shares that it encourages more hard work and dedication. The St Ann native, who is attached to the Community Safety and Security Branch in Port Maria, is the Corporal Hodel Harris Photo: Nickoy Miller third woman to have copped the award and the second from the St. Mary Division. years ago that she had feared losing her life. "There was a moment when I was on duty after a The woman corporal personifies diligence and shooting and the perpetrators were still in the area intelligence and has a desire to address the social and I knew that I had to face the possibility of not and domestic other affecting young people. going back home to my son," she said of the triple murders that rocked Annotto Bay in late 2014. After winning the award at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St. Andrew she told Police Mirror that she Despite the danger inherent in her job, Harris was was overwhelmed with gratitude and was humbled quick to point out that she really loves it and she and happy to have been selected from among her couldn't think of anything else she would want to peers, whom she deemed were all qualified for the be. "It was my dream; I always wanted to become top spot. "It was my dream to always become a a police officer. I grew up admiring police officers, police officer, but my mother was not so thrilled their shine shoes and the shine buttons, and I with the idea at first, because she probably had have always wanted it," she confessed. wanted me to become a bank teller or something. I, however, persevered and went on and did what One of the things she pointed out that she loves I really wanted to do, and it was just moments to do when it comes to her job is change people's before training school that I told her and it was notion about police officers. "I love relating with the then that she sanctioned it, and now she is proud community, I love changing the notion that citizens of me and she was moved to tears today," she have that claim that the police are the bad ones. divulged. Most of the time, whenever I speak to somebody who despises the police, after I am finished with Harris, who was also the St Mary Police Officer of them, they will have some appreciation of what I the Year for 2013, divulged that there was a do and why I am a police officer and reason to moment in her young career since she started six respect, if not love, the police," she disclosed. PM
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...Diaries to Data
was instrumental in getting the local hotel sector technologically ready for the Y2K scare at the turn of the century and other aspects of their growth, before successfully applying to the Graduate Entry Programme of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
"I created the software systems used by several entities such as Dolphin Cove and Chukka Cove, but I was seeking to find a way to not just merge technology with tourism, but also technology with security,” Blake said. He later created software to manage crime, which with the assistance of the former Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington, has been implemented effectively. Blake reassured the Police Mirror team that the E-Station Diary application is built for sustainability, despite what policy or security changes might emerge. “When building applications we try to ensure that they are sustainable and flexible so that whatever policy changes come later on, the application can be easily configured without going back into code,” he posited. ICT READY When the issue of an implementation timeline was broached, Blake stated that the application itself is ready and “was in use at the National Intelligence Bureau months before the security minister’s announcement in October 2014; that is something many persons do not know.” Currently, the ICT branch is going through its tweaking stages as a result of feedback on the application. The infrastructure, in terms of the network already exists; as such it is ready to be implemented. However, a pertinent part of the project is missing, the actual computers for the station diaries.
48 in each division, to be trained and dedicated, for the period of the pilot to the use of these electronic station diaries. The section is now awaiting funding to acquire the computers; as such the date for the pilot has been pushed back to 2015. The dream is to “phase the physical station diaries out, totally,” Blake said, but explained that in order to get to that desired point there will have to be a series of parallel runs, which means whatever is recorded in the physical station diary is also entered in the electronic one. This he said is currently ongoing at the National Intelligence Bureau. Still pensive about the final decision for the pilot, he explained that currently there are two options. There can either be a throw-away prototype or an evolution-prototype. The latter can be built on and developed and is the most likely choice. What that means then, is once this pilot is started, there is no going back to the stage of not having electronic station diaries. The pilot will then be run until there is no longer a need for the physical diary as well as until it is gazetted and accepted generally by the court as an official record.
This initiative is not without its drawbacks and weaknesses, but ACP Blake offered that these drawbacks are outweighed by the advantages of the project. He reiterated that one of the major advantages-the ability to share information-is one of great importance, explaining that effective use and management of information is what keeps personnel alive. A third advantage listed by the Assistant Commissioner is the perception of the JCF. He said the image of the organization since the announcement has changed significantly. Many persons are impressed with the fact that the Force is making this move, a great stride which undoubtedly will help in the fight against At least two persons have already been identified crime. PM
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Spiritual Life
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Continued from page 22 lives must bear the characteristics of love, peace, justice, righteousness, gentleness, self-control etc. All such characteristics can only come to us through the abiding presence and authority of the Holy Spirit. As police Officers we need to see to our spiritual well being on another account. The job is hard and demanding, and police persons have to be tough. Tough does not mean loss of taste, tenderness, and the shedding of tears. Tough means training ready; tough means the ability to make the appropriate response; tough means the capacity to go the extra mile when the context so demands; tough says yes despite the disappointments; tough never loses mind and heart in perusing what is right and just.
Irish Town on top Continued from page 11 taking place over a period of three months. Judging was done through unannounced visits and inspection. Personnel from the various stations were also called at various times and presented with different scenarios to find out how they would assist members of the public in such situations. They were also assessed based on the way they dealt with customers who walked into the station. The resource management of the station was also thoroughly assessed. On November 28, 2014, during the annual Police Week, the competition culminated with the selection of the 19 divisional winners. The Irish Town Police Station, tucked away in hills of the St. Andrew North Division emerged the overall winner. Police officers based at the station were awarded with plaques, replica trophies for everyone at the station, cash prizes and the title of the best police station in the Jamaica. The first runner up was the Castle Police Station in the Portland Division and the second runner up was the Stadium Police Station in the St. Andrew Central Division. They too were awarded with plaques and cash prizes. These stations exemplified the mantra service above self and through their commitment they were victorious.
Therefore expand your capacity to love and care in the midst of the toughness that is demanded of the job. God expects you to make use of His means of grace. If this is to happen, then your hearts must be opened in faith to the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, so that your spiritual life will come alive, and be unapologetically transforming. Have you any plans for eternity? Are you preparing yourself to meet the Lord Jesus Christ at His second coming? Life in this world is brief at best—three score years and ten, and if by reason of good health, a little more. We all will die one day, we know not when. We must pray for God's protecting grace, but we must also live in a state of preparedness to meet our Lord and God when He “This competition was well received by the Police personnel and it is with great hope that it becomes comes again. PM an annual event to look forward to,” stated Deputy Superintendent of Police Tyrone Richards of the Inspectorate of Constabulary. PM
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Tackling crime with operation resilience
By: Jannel Gordon
n an effort to maintain the four-year steady reduction in major crimes, a strategy called Operation Resilience was launched in the third quarter of 2013. The initiative was geared towards countering gang activities, which account for close to 80 percent of serious crimes islandwide. It yielded major success in murders, firearms and ammunition recovery and the capture of wanted men and was relaunched as Operation Resilience II in January 2014 and Operation Resilience III in June 2014.
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Operation Resilience III employs a holistic approach to crime fighting and through partnerships with various stakeholders, it has managed to significantly put a dent in gang activities and gang related crimes thus causing a decline in murders and other serious crimes.
increased on the nation’s streets. The freedom of movement of gang members is also inhibited by the numerous Police personnel on the streets conducting regular stop and search activities, vehicle check points and people check points. Community Policing also assist in deterring criminals from carrying out illegal activities since the likelihood of them being caught increases with help from community members. The enforcement of curfew orders and the seizure of motor vehicles used by criminals to make them less mobile are also employed. With the implementation of these measures criminals are less likely to risk being caught and consequently, the number of crimes being committed has reduced.
Securing convictions and lengthy sentences act as another deterrent to crime. Lawmen are now using new tactics to ensure that criminals are arrested with evidence and that the integrity of these evidences collected are preserved. Better interview strategies are also employed so that confessions are obtained. The partnership between the Police and the community has also contributed to the securing of convictions as It is well known that criminals will refrain from more witnesses are now willing to testify in court. committing crimes in areas occupied by the Police and as such areas deemed as hotspots On the other hand, where criminals are bold are chosen for the lawmen to operate. Hotspots enough to commit crimes with the maximized are areas of significant activity, danger, or presence of the Police in the focus areas, violence and as pointed out by Assistant increases in the seizure of illegal firearms and Commission of Police Wray Palmer, peak hours other offensive weapons, illicit drugs and the are also a time when persons assemble and recovery of stolen property have resulted. When criminal activities are imminent. So in an effort to these persons are caught it is important that they ensure citizens’ safety and deter criminals from are arrested with evidence so that strong cases endangering lives Police presence has been Operation Resilience III focuses on the disruption of gang activities, denying the freedom of movement and action for gang members, disarming criminals and the adoption of ways to deter and dissuade gangsters and other criminal elements from carrying out criminal activities. In order to achieve these goals numerous tactics and plans have been adopted.
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can be built and convictions down. secured. Other areas of success include These measures have yielded increases in the number of successes in all areas of crime firearms seized especially since fighting, resulting in an overall the start of Operation Resilience 17 percent reduction in all major III in June where 60 firearms crimes, such as murders, were seized. In that same shootings, rape and other month 86 persons were serious crimes. arrested in relation to the seizures of firearms and One of Operation Resilience ammunition. major success includes the disruption of the Alma Gang in Drug seizures have also Westmoreland. The leader was contributed to the decline as taken down by brave Police fewer persons have been teams and other members arrested for such offences. It arrested with evidence as can be said that the strategies convictions have been secured employed by Operation and lengthy sentences handed
Resilience III act as a deterrent to criminals as the chances of them being caught and brought before the courts have increased. The months before the application of Operation Resilience III saw more persons being held in relation to drug related offences. “It is without fear of contradiction that the reduction in murders and other serious crimes must be attributed to Operation Resilience. The efforts of the Police which have been quite good has assisted in the successes reaped� said ACP Palmer.
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Pa rtners hips: working together to build safer communities in Jamaica he Jamaica Constabulary Force Community Safety and Security Branch partnered with United States Agency for International Development, through its Community Empowerment and Transformation Programme (COMET-II) for the 2014 edition of the Police Youth Club National Council summer camp.
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communities under COMET-II, received training in self development and empowerment. Participants also benefited from workshops on a variety of topics, including climate change, developing a culture of lawfulness, citizens’ journalism, social entrepreneurship, dispute resolution and using sports for development. There were also workshops in gender, empowerment and personal development and One of the main objectives of the camp, which ran deportment. The workshops were delivered by from July 27 to August 2, 2014 at Bog Walk High experts from COMET staff and contracted School in St. Catherine, was to foster a better professionals. relationship between youth and the police. One hundred and forty youths ranging from 16 to 30 During the lecture on citizens’ journalism, years from police youth clubs in communities campers were brought up to speed on social across the island, including the targeted media, with the establishment of a Police Youth
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53 as certified peer mediators under the banner of the police youth club. The campers were also introduced to the different styles of conflict, issues of governance as they relate to conflict and the use of role play and different art forms to understand conflict. Youth Crime Watch of Jamaica introduced of the concept of social entrepreneurship to the receptive youths. They were sensitized on how to create social value in their communities through the work that they do; they were also coached on the tenets of becoming self-sufficient individuals and clubs, before racking their brains on how to turn issues in the community into business opportunities. The Jamaica Red Cross conducted workshops to raise awareness about climate change, disaster risk reduction and first aid. The campers were also introduced to Red Cross Jamaica’s community disaster response field guide. Posters depicting climate change messages were created by the campers. COMET-II will select from these posters for publications and messaging in the project’s global climate change public awareness campaign. The Police Youth Club National Council, the largest youth movement in Jamaica, is the governing body for all police youth clubs. The SSP Karina Powell Hood of the Community Safety and clubs were initially established to create a less Security Branch goes to bat with a representative of volatile environment where individuals can USAID COMET-II PHOTO: Contributed socialise and develop professional skills. Over Club 2014 Facebook page. The campers, the years, the youth club movement has had practising citizens journalism, captured the programmes aimed at breaking bad habits, discipline, and enhancing events of the camp on film and posted the promoting pictures on the Facebook page, which is linked responsibility, self-confidence and self-esteem. to the Youth Club National Council Facebook page. Campers were also assisted in creating Youths within the various communities look forward with great anticipation to this summer professional email accounts. programme, where they are able to have closer The lecture on dispute resolution, which was interaction with the police and youths from other facilitated by the Dispute Resolution Foundation communities without fear of hostility. resulted in 28 police youth clubbites being trained
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Security Services Portfolio
who we are?
why now? key roles
The Security Services portfolio, headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police James Golding, was borne out of a need to apportion a greater level of attention to the security of critical infrastructure and personalities . It was also conceived that the revamped structure would assume additional responsibilities, namely, the safeguarding of the public transportation system.
The essential reasoning guiding such an initiative is that Jamaica is uniquely positioned in the Caribbean between major markets for narcotics trade. Her luring borders are accessible to those who seek to engage in nefarious practices such as the guns-for-drugs trade. Consequently, the safeguarding of the nation’s land and sea ports is best handled by superintendents of a portfolio which has general oversight to co-ordinate and distribute resources in a timely manner. This is intended to reduce the level of organized crime and to support a decrease in the country’s murder rate.
Protect major ports. Support the effort to prevent illicit drugs, firearms, ammunition and contraband entering and leaving the country. Enhance the security of vital infrastructure Protect Government and Public Officials. Conduct risk assessment and security surveys surrounding public officials and critical infrastructure.
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Right to left- Assistant Commissioner of Police George Quallo, Minister of National Security Peter Bunting, Minister of Science and Technology Phillip Paulwell, Mayor of Kingston and St. Andrew Angella Brown Burke, former Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington all march for peace in Eastern Kingston.
‘Horse Play? Members of the Mounted Troops Division ‘horsing around’
Forward March!! Parade Commanders marching on to the drill square at a Passing Out Parade.
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56 On February 14, 2014, bullets rang out in the east Kingston community of McKintyre Villa, Kingston 2, snuffing out the lives of 17-month-old boy Threjan Harvey and Demar McKenzie. That same night, gunmen in an attempt to take revenge for their deaths, invaded a house in Bryden Street and attempted to kill a two-month old baby. The baby’s caregivers fought valiantly, and his life was spared, though both were seriously injured in the incident. A year later, in 2015, the Kingston Eastern Police, along with Area Four Commander ACP George Quallo, staged a gospel concert in that very spot, helping to bring joyful memories to an otherwise dark day in the community’s history. Pictured here is SP Arthur Brown, officer in charge of the Kingston Eastern Division, and young residents of the community. “It’s a really good initiative,” one resident said. PHOTO: Ronald Hoilette
JCF, ISCF Merger complete
the merger, with some saying it should have been done long ago. “What took them so long to smell the coffee?” one member exclaimed. “We have Continued from page 21 been operating as one organization for a long team went on to explain that, “By virtue of both time now; if you ask me, this just makes it official.” forces existing in the same jurisdiction, [with the] same set of laws being enforced and both Today, the new-look JCF operates smoothly. The working towards the same objective, their addition of the over 2000 additional members has coalescing and integration will lead to also allowed the organization to improve staffing immediately improved efficiencies.” in some critical areas, with the creation of the new Security Services Portfolio, headed by With fears subsided, members of the ISCF former ISCF commandant, James Golding now became members of the JCF by way of taking the a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). The prescribed oath of office, and completing the merger has also allowed other areas of security required paperwork in the presence of a Justice concern, such as praedial larceny to have more of the Peace. The new members were then members dedicated to fighting that scourge. systematically absorbed into various JCF divisions and formations. “We took an oath to protect and serve the people of Jamaica, and if this helps us to do that betterNow eight months into the merger, many of the -and I honestly believe that it does, then I am all former ISCF members who spoke with Police for it,” said Corporal Junior Green, a former Mirror unreservedly expressed their support for member of the ISCF. PM
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Comedy Corner Comments made by Police Officers “You know, stop lights don’t come any redder than whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse the one you just went through.” a cat or a dog?” “Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they’re new. They’ll stretch after you wear them a while.”
“Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop.”
“If you run, you’ll only go to jail tired.” “Just how big were those ‘two beers’ you say you “You don’t know how fast you were going? I guess had?” that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?” “No sir, we don’t have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we’re allowed to write as many tickets “Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I as we can.” don’t think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I’m the shift supervisor?” “I’m glad to hear that the Chief (of Police) is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone “Warning! You want a warning? O.K, I’m warning who can post your bail.” you not to do that again or I’ll give you another ticket.” “You didn’t think we give pretty women tickets? You’re right, we don’t. Sign here.” “The answer to this last question will determine
How many triangles do you see?
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