Corporal Rohan James addressed rank and file members of the JCF at the Police Federation's 79th Annual Conference on Tuesday, May 17.
National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang attended the conference virtually.
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Corporal Rohan James, Chairman of the Police Federation, and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang
The Police High Command, the Government and the Ministry of National Security came under fire on Tuesday during the Police Federation's 79th Annual Conference.
Federation Chairman Corporal Rohan James took the High Command to task over the welfare of rank and file personnel, operational changes within the Jamaica Constabulary Force and inconsistencies in the promotion of members.
Mr. James accused the High Command of sidestepping the Federation whenever it tries to make representation on behalf of its members.
"The Police Federation has to be warring with our High Command for certain things and proper respect and communication in relation to our welfare and well-being, and I will say today, without any fear of contradiction, on numerous occasion [sic] we have to drag the High Command before the Police Services Commission to get things done," he complained.
"Does the Jamaica Constabulary Force High Command believe in the policies that they ascribe in black and white? The answer is no. Does the Jamaica Constabulary Force High Command exercise proper respect and effective communication when they seek to deviate from the policies that they create in black and white? It is no," Corporal James said as he blasted the top brass of the Force.
The Federation chairman also took issue with what he says is an attempt to militarise the JCF, citing that the Specialised Operations Branch is being branded with the insignia of the Jamaica Defence Force.
"We have a Constabulary Force Act, and it has not been repealed," he said, calling for National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang to "come clean" and "tell us rank and file members whether or not the Jamaica Constabulary Force is militarised secretly".
Dr. Chang, who attended the conference virtually, having tested positive for COVID-19, acknowledged that the government is seeking to "introduce systemic changes in short, in terms of policy and institutional changes" that will reverse and correct several issues within the JCF.
Privy Council?
The Police Federation has also said it will proceed to the Privy Council if it is unsuccessful in its legal battle with the government concerning overtime pay.
The Supreme Court is to rule on the matter on June 3.
"We will not be robbed blind. We work for it, we are not begging," Corporal James declared.
On April 5, the High Court reserved judgment on whether the government should pay billions of dollars to the cops.
The Police Federation says its members are owed $40 billion plus interest.
Efforts to reach an out of court settlement collapsed late last year after the government reportedly offered a $10 billion package.
National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang attended the Police Federation's annual conference virtually. He revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
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