JCF Operations branch forced to make changes to deployment after several officers test positive for COVID-19

 

The Operations Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is reportedly making changes to the deployment of some police personnel after several members tested positive for COVID-19.

 

More than 10 rank and file members are in isolation.

 

Another 70 members are in self-quarantine awaiting COVID-19 test results.

 

They include chairman of the Police Federation Sergeant Patrae Rowe.

 

Sergeant Rowe told Radio Jamaica News that his self-quarantine is out of an abundance of caution.

 

He said JCF strategies are continuously being revised to ensure adequate personnel are on duty. 

 

"Our members know what is at stake. We have to make decisions as a force as it relates to the rationalisation of staff. For example, in a situation where a number of members from a particular station are on quarantine, there is some movement of staff that has to be done to ensure that there is an appropriate spread of police officers to satisfy the demand for policing services," he said.  

 

Senior members of the hierarchy of the JCF, including the four deputy commissioners, are also in self-quarantine awaiting COVID-19 results after Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson was diagnosed with the virus last week. 

 

Staff members of the Police Commissioner's office are also in quarantine.