JCF chief warns officers over unpaid private loans, signals disciplinary action

Top brass at the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is moving to crack down on officers who have taken out private loans from financial institutions and then walked away from their repayment obligations, with disciplinary measures now on the table.

In the latest force orders, circulated last Thursday, Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake made it plain that the matter had reached the attention of the JCF's senior leadership.

"It has been brought to my attention that in recent times there has been increased instances where members who have entered into private debt arrangements with financial institutions and individuals have either refused to or neglected to honour their obligations. This behaviour has attracted unfavourable comments and is seriously eroding the image of the organisation," Dr Blake stated.

The commissioner pointed officers to Regulations 46 (2) (3) Part I of the Second Schedule of the Police Service Regulations 1961, which categorises "refusing or neglecting to pay any lawful debt" as a punishable offence.

"This is an offence to be dealt with summarily. Members are required to observe this provision, failing which appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Any such breach reported will not be countenanced by the force," he added.

In the preamble of the orders, Dr Blake also reminded rank-and-file officers about the reputational hit the JCF takes whenever members behave badly in public.

"The calling out and warning issued to the few among us who have been less than professional have generated significant discussion where many of our citizens have rightfully voiced their utter indignation of the actions of these members," he said.

Force orders are the official channel through which the JCF communicates administrative policies and notices to its members.