Police Federation supports merger of police groups

The Police Federation says it welcomes the proposed merger of the island's three police groups, as is being put forward by the National Security Minister.

Minister Peter Bunting has indicated that a merger of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), and the District Constables, would produce a better police force, for Jamaica.

One of the 3 groups has already rejected the merger proposal, while another is continuing talks about the issue.

Executive member of the Police Federation, Inspector David White told Irie FM News this afternoon (July 4) that the association is yet to receive full details of the proposed merger.

However, Inspector White says based on the initial information provided, the Federation is in support of the merger.

Inspector White says the Federation views the merger of the 3 police groups into one entity, as being beneficial to the members and to the country.

He says having one police force, which operates with the same core objectives, will result in a more efficient, effective unit.

Inspector White says a unified police force would have more personnel available for deployment and more resources.

Inspector White is encouraging the other police groups to not resist change, and to view the proposed merger as a move towards modernizing the country's security services.

Already, the proposal to merge the 3 groups has been rejected by the Specials, or “blue seam police”, as they are commonly called.

Chairman of the Special Constabulary Force Association (SCFA) Inspector Andrew Johnson says his Association is not in favour of what is now being proposed.

He says the ISCF does not want a merger the way it is now conceived, because its members will not benefit from it, adding that what government is moving to do is absorb the ISCF into the JCF.

In the meantime, the District Constables are continuing discussions on how the proposed merger will affect them.

A meeting to discuss the merger was held yesterday, among executives and delegates of the United District Constables Association. 

President of the Association, Delroy Davies says discussions will be on-going, in a bid to get a clear understanding of the role of its members, when the merger is in place.

The Security Minister has not given a set timeframe for the implementation of the proposed merger.