Anderson has the political support other army men didn't, says Lewin

Former Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin says he believes incoming police commissioner Major General Antony Anderson will succeed in the post because he has the support of the political directorate.

On March 19, Major Anderson will be officially given the job to lead the charge to reduce crime and stamp out corruption in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

There have been questions about whether cops will accept an outsider leading them, given experiences with other police commissioners from the army.

But Lewin says it’s clear the political directorate has confidence in Anderson, given his current job as national security adviser.

IN PHOTO: Incoming police commissioner Major General Antony Anderson

He says the support of the government is of greater concern than the support of members of the police force.

Lewin also believes most cops want to see a change within the force.

Anderson is being given a vote of confidence by various stakeholders.

Reacting to yesterday’s news of the appointment, former US Ambassador Luis Moreno tweeted that he personally thinks Anderson is a great choice.

Meanwhile, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Howard Mitchell says while Anderson comes with an impressive record, he will have to demonstrate to the private sector a commitment to tear down crime. 

Anderson is regarded within security circles as being one of the best operationally, with a strong sense of ethics.

He will be the third military man to be elevated to the post of police commissioner, following Colonel Trevor MacMillan appointed in 1993 and Rear Admiral Lewin in 2007.

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