Police team commended for delivering excellent customer service

The police high command has found it necessary to commend a police team in Trelawny for "exemplifying the fundamentals of excellent customer service" during what it described as a disrespectful encounter involving a local athlete.

"The high command is pleased with the level of professionalism shown by the officers, in a situation that disrespectfully challenged their authority and showed disregard for the rule of law," the statement said.

The police team, led by a corporal, was executing a Vehicular Checkpoint Operation in the parish.

"This police team exemplified the fundamentals of excellent customer service, the standards by which the organization expects our officers to interact with the public at all times," it continued.

The police high command said the exchange, which was highly publicised on social media, is an example of the hostility which the police encounter on a daily basis while executing their duties.

"It is commendable that the team exercised restraint, remained calm and respectful throughout the encounter with the athlete," the police high command stated.

However, it said while it is important for the police to be professional in dealing with the public, it is also a responsibility of citizens to comply with the instructions and not obstruct the police when carrying out their duties.