Sergeant Arleen McBean elected Police Federation chairman

By Racquel Porter   

 

Sergeant Arleen McBean has been elected chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation.

 

McBean was first elected in May 2018, but her one-year tenure was marred by a vote of no-confidence that removed her from office in January 2019.

 

However, a court ordered her reinstatement in March that year.

 

McBean, the first woman chairman, returns to the top post amid more turbulence in the leadership of the Federation.

 

Corporal Rohan James, who was re-elected for a second consecutive term as chairman last year, was booted after he was suspended from police duties in July 2023 by then Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson.

 

Action was taken against him over his public criticism of the police High Command.

 

He is battling the issue in court.

 

Inspector Blanche Codner was later appointed as the chairman to complete the term.

 

In an interview with Radio Jamaica News, Sergeant McBean said the new Central Executive will not allow the recent events involving the former Chairman to overshadow its work.

 

"I wouldn't consider it a shadow over the Police Federation, but it is a test for the Federation to see the level of tenacity that we have as representative; to see the level of unity that exists as a body; to see the level of versatility of the rank and file and how we can now lead the charge to correct what is happening unitedly; and to see how we can be future leaders and future servers in national security," she insisted.

 

The Jamaica Police Federation represents members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force from the rank of constable to inspector.

 

Delegates voted for a new leadership late Wednesday evening at the Federation's annual conference at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James.

 

The other members of the Central Executive are Sergeant Lloyd Duncan, the new general secretary; corporals Peta-Gaye Williams and Taniesha Lewis; Detective Constable Romaine Archer and Constable Koy Marriott.