INDECOM, cops must find common ground

THE EDITOR, Sir: A RECENT edition of The Gleaner stated that a memorandum of understanding is due to be signed shortly between INDECOM and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which is positive news.

It is imperative that all the necessary protocols are outlined and clearly followed by both organisations so as to ensure a high level of efficiency and a greater level of cooperation.

Accordingly, the newly appointed commissioner of police, George Quallo, has to firmly urge all the members of the force to adhere to the instructions of INDECOM and be reminded as well that the police watchdog has specific duties and responsibilities.

Some police personnel seem not to understand that they have a lawful responsibility to comply with all the requests and instructions of INDECOM during the course of any investigation. Since the establishment of INDECOM, the police’s fatal shooting rate has declined steadily, and this is good news for the country.

The Government should seriously consider appointing additional investigators to INDE- COM. Its commissioner, Terrence Williams, is to be commended for the outstanding he has been doing since the formal establishment of the commission, and he certainly needs the full support of the police chief, as well as the Cabinet. ROBERT DALLEY robertdalley1@hotmail.com Montego Bay