Cops' involvement in gangs could erode JCF efforts to build public trust, says Finzi-Smith

 

Security Consultant Robert Finzi-Smith says the revelation that several police personnel were part of a Clarendon-based gang could erode gains made by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to build public trust. 

 

Four police officers were arrested on Friday during a major operation while others are being sought after they were identified as being involved in the Ronko Gang.

 

The criminal network has been linked to shootings, robberies and abductions in seven parishes from 2019 to 2021.

 

Mr. Finzi-Smith says this development, along with other incidents of alleged police involvement in gangs, will leave a stain on the image of the JCF.

 

However, he applauded the Force for investigating and arresting its members. 

 

"We can look at this two ways. We can look at this and say ‘Oh my God, what have we come to?’ But we've been here for a long time. What we should do is applaud the Force for cleaning up its mess, because it could go the other way. It could be going on without us knowing a thing about it. But the Force is not only cleaning up its own mess, it is being very open and public with telling you that it is happening and what has been done," he reasoned.  

 

But Mr. Finzi-Smith is worried that the incidents could cause more members of the public might become reluctant to share information about crimes with the police. 

 

"The greatest problem with all of this comes out of the now embedding of the Jamaican public’s attitude that says ‘I not reporting anything 'cause if you tell a policeman something, him will let you down and report that to the criminal that you have reported.’ This has now shown that to be not a pie in the sky thought process or an excuse for not assisting. It could quite possibly have pointed out to the general public that they were very correct," he surmised.  

 

Mr. Finzi-Smith was speaking Monday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106.

 

Chang commends JCF   

                                     

National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang has commended the JCF for its handling of the arrest of the police officers in Clarendon.

 

Speaking Sunday at a Jamaica Labour Party Area Council 3 meeting in Clarendon, Dr. Chang praised the Force for being able to investigate its own members for two years without the information being leaked to any of those under investigation. 

 

"This police force, under the leadership of this Prime Minister, will be a highly professional, capable, competent police force to restore good order and public safety in this country," he asserted.