It is disheartening, says Ellington on enquiry findings

Retired Police Commissioner Owen Ellington says it is disheartening that a commission of enquiry is attempting to tarnish the good image and professional reputation of career police officers.

Ellington made the observation in his response to the adverse findings made against him and other members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) by the West Kingston Commission of Enquiry.

In its report that was made public on Wednesday, the three-member commission listed Assistant Commissioners Donovan Graham and Winchroy Budhoo among several high-ranking police officers who it said should never be allowed to lead or participate in future internal security operations.

The commission, which investigated the conduct of the May 2010 police-military operations in west Kingston, said Ellington was not included on that list because he was no longer a serving member of the JCF.

However, in his response, which was also included in the report, the former top cop rejected criticism by the commission that his leadership of the JCF during the operations was weak.

He noted that members of the JCF bravely placed their lives in grave danger to confront armed criminals and said it was disheartening that a commission of enquiry is attempting to tarnish their professional reputation.