Both the Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, and the Commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Dr. Kevin Blake, must be commended for Jamaica continuing to see a significant fall in crime figures.
Last year, Jamaica recorded fewer than 700 murders (a 43 per cent decline), with shootings down 32 per cent. It wasn’t just murders that saw these declines; theft and other crimes also fell.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness observed: “The continued decline in crime, particularly violent offences, is a testament to the effectiveness of our security measures and the tireless efforts of the JCF. Our investments in modern policing, intelligence gathering and community partnerships are yielding results. While we acknowledge this progress, we remain resolute in our mission to further reduce crime and ensure that every Jamaican feels safe in their community.”
The sharp fall in crime numbers has continued into the opening months of the year and must be seen as a major achievement.
But while the JCF must be given credit, many of its members now believe this warrants an increase in pay.
Sergeant Arleen McBean, who is the Chair of the Jamaica Police Federation, points out that Jamaican cops put themselves at great risk, go above and beyond the call of duty, but this is not reflected in their salaries.
She is also demanding an agreement between the Ministry of Health and the JCF to see to it that officers injured during the line of duty get expedited healthcare at hospitals.
Showing her pay slip at an event she was addressing recently, she pointed out it was barely enough to live on and sustain a family given the nature of the work Jamaican cops do.
She called on the Minister of Finance, Fayval Williams, to address the matter forthwith.
Mc Bean also took the opportunity to draw attention to the fact that the Jamaica Police Federation was not consulted on the decision to implement the phased implementation of flexible work arrangements in the public sector.
The Chair of the Jamaica Police Federation has stressed that she will be focusing on the remuneration of rank and file members of the JCF.
Last year McBean declared: “ While the country is touting a significant reduction in major crimes, the rank-and-file members are treated with disdain by the Finance Ministry- slap in the face of the hardworking men and women. “
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