Commissioner Roy Thompson has announced a renewed focus on tackling the nation’s crime wave and restoring public confidence in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Highlighting the citizens’ fear of crime as a top concern, he emphasised the urgent need for new strategies and intensified drug eradication efforts to combat the link between drugs and violent crime. The commissioner also pledged to address corruption and misconduct within the force, vowing to strengthen disciplinary measures and remove rogue officers, to uphold the integrity of the JCF.

Published Thursday, January 10, 1991 

Commissioner Thompson concerned about citizens' fear of crime

Roy Thompson, who took over leadership of the nation’s police force yesterday, has said that the greatest concern he has is the citizens’ fear of crime. “The well-being of the nation requires that people feel satisfied that the police are in control,” he said.
Thompson spoke after assuming the role of Commissioner of Police from Herman Ricketts. Mr Ricketts handed over the baton of authority to the new commissioner yesterday in the first-ever such symbolic ceremony in the 123-year history of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

A parade of members of the JCF and the Jamaica Special Constabulary Force (JSCF) marked the event at the Jamaica Police Academy, Twickenham Park, St Catherine.
“The greatest concern must be the citizens’ fear of crime,” noted Thompson as he listed areas of priority needing “immediate attention”. He added, “The entire economy and the well-being of the nation depend on the citizens and visitors being satisfied that the police are in control of crime.”

Noting that crime was on the increase, he said new strategies would have to be developed and firm police action taken “to bring this menace under control. Drug eradication efforts will be intensified,” he observed, stating that it had been established there was a link between violent crimes and drugs.

“Indeed, a concerted effort must now be made to significantly reduce all types of crimes,” he said. Thompson added that he would seek “proper advice and support to that end from the Police Planning and Research Unit”. The unit, he noted, is to be reorganised immediately.

On another priority area — discipline in the force — he acknowledged that some members had been associated with various types of crimes, corruption, and abuses of citizens’ rights.

“We can no longer take comfort from the knowledge that the culprits represent only a small percentage of the force. We are all acquainted with the adage that a few bad apples will spoil the whole barrel. Machinery already in place will be strengthened to ensure that wrongdoers are identified and pursued until they are out of the force.”
In his address, Ricketts, with nearly 40 years of service in the JCF, said the past six years had been challenging for the JCF, but expressed his belief that many difficulties had been overcome and that the force “is now on a growth path.”

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