​Acting Commish warns cops against soliciting bribes amid higher traffic penalties

Acting Police Commissioner Clifford Blake says the strongest action will be taken against members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who solicit bribes from motorists arising from higher penalties being introduced for traffic offences.

The House of Representative last week passed amendments to the Road Traffic Act which introduced new offences and increased the fines for current offences.

In a statement this afternoon, Blake said he’s aware of concerns being raised in the public domain that cops may be even more enticed to request and accept bribes from motorists.

But he said misconduct in any form is unacceptable and will not be countenanced by the Police High Command.

The acting police chief said the Inspectorate of Constabulary will be robustly monitoring the conduct of JCF members adding that all commanding officers have been tasked to employ a zero-tolerance approach to acts of corruption by members of the JCF and civilians.

Blake is assuring that swift, decisive and fair action will be taken against those found to be in breach of the law.

He’s imploring all JCF members and civilians to obey the law and to refrain from any conduct that can lead to their arrest and prosecution.