The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has come out in disapproval of a series of viral images bearing the photograph of JCF officers that has been fashioned into campaign paraphernalia for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
In a statement through its Corporate Communication Unit (CCU), the JCF said the photograph was taken by the CCU and posted on the JCF’s official Facebook page in 2012, and suggested that the image has been manipulated to present the impression that the five on-duty police officers and, by extension, the JCF, are part of the JLP’s campaign machinery.
Police Commissioner, Dr Carl Williams, has condemned the use of the images, indicating that the JCF categorically distances itself from the campaign images and those behind the design work.
“The creation and publication of these images in no way defines the political position of the organisation or the officers in question. As a defender of the country’s democratic process, the JCF remains a neutral body, neither having nor expressing affiliation to any political party. Our official and primary role during this period is to support the Electoral Officeof Jamaica (EOJ) in its administration of the General Elections,” said the JCF.
“The use of our police officers in this fashion is an unfortunate and deceitful act. It places these five officers, who did not authorise the use of their photograph in this manner, in an uncomfortable position, and at risk of unnecessary negative attention, especially during this emotionally-charged period.
“We cannot afford, and will not allow their continued viral presence to malign the professional conduct which the police have and will continue to display during this time, nor taint any aspect of our operations as we seek to provide uncompromised safety and security during the electoral process,” the statement continued.
The Police High Command said all police officers should desist from overt expressions of support for one party or another.
It pointed to Chapter 3, Section 3.2 of the JCF Book of Rules relating to politics and public policy, which stipulates that“members are prohibited from making any public expression showing allegiance to any Political Party. Private discussions on a national issue should not be interpreted as being in favour of or against any Political Party.”
The High Command said the force’s strict prohibition of actions or public expressions showing allegiance to any political party covers officers:
- Being engaged in political activities publicly, whether on duty or otherwise, having reported sick and being excused from office and duty.
- Being dressed in party colours in a manner reasonably interpreted to impute political affiliation and improper conduct.
- Being in the company of civilians who are engaged in behaviour designed to intimidate, and
- Failing to take lawful police action when appropriately called upon.
The High Command said the Inspectorate of Constabulary (IOC) has been called upon to ensure professional conduct is adhered to by all officers on duty, by monitoring the general professionalism of members of the police force on Election Day, and investigating reports of police misconduct or unprofessional behaviour. It warned that any officer found to be acting counter to the set rules of operations, will be sanctioned.
