Cruel critics - Young cop calls for a fair examination of the JCF
Published:Sunday | November 25, 2018 | 12:00 AMJason Cross/Gleaner Writer
Police Constable Romario Gayle yesterday expressed concern about the negative picture being painted of the Jamaica Constabulary Force as he argued that most members of the force are honest, dedicated, and hardworking.
Gayle, who is attached to the Police National Intelligence Bureau, expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment meted out to policemen and women daily.
Delivering a poem at a church service yesterday to mark the start of the 2018 Police Week in Area Four at the Grace Missionary Church, Gayle charged that criticism of the cops is burdensome because they, too, have uncomfortable situations that they have to cope with.
In the poem dubbed I Am So Sorry, Gayle declared: "It is ironic that we are disliked by Jamaica after being belittled by hierarchy and the media. Why is it that lifestyle diseases are so anti-police, robbing about 25 colleagues yearly?"
Gayle later told The Gleaner: "We are always portrayed as bad. Please believe when I say I have pushed multiple vehicles for persons who broke down on the streets. I have helped a thousand old ladies across the street. I have given money to many kids, and I, like many colleagues, have been very professional, but still we don't see things like that portrayed. We in Jamaica reflect on controversy and negativity."
Delivering the sermon, the Reverend Teddy Jones appealed to members of the JCF to help change the perception of the public by always steering clear of corruption.
"I was speaking to someone recently, and they said if there was a way out of hell, Jamaicans would find it. With that said, we cannot collude with criminals. We have to join the battle for truth, led by you, the officer corps, and the rank and file.
"If sinners entice you, don't go with them. I know some of the bigger heads will include you in the thing and threaten you when you are too honest, but integrity must mean so much that we are prepared to live by it," said Jones.
Police Week will run up to November 30, and various activities have been planned for all police divisions.
Several events are planned for the week, which concludes on Saturday with the annual Commissioner's Ball.