Jackson wants audit into suspended cops, possession of service weapons

Opposition Spokesperson on National Security, Fitz Jackson, says he is concerned that the cops involved in Sunday’s shooting in St Catherine were in possession of their service weapons and had access to a police service vehicle despite being removed from frontline duties.

In a statement, Jackson said the Commissioner of Police Major Antony Anderson should not delay his accounting to the public of the incident because it has far-reaching implications for public safety.

He said Anderson must use the opportunity to assure the public that this incident is not the routine for cops who have been taken off frontline duties to continue having access to their service weapon and service vehicle while under investigation.

It is important, Jackson said, that the police commissioner takes the necessary steps to preserve the public’s confidence in the police service he leads, and is responsible for, because the majority of lawmen are law-abiding members of the Constabulary.

Jackson contends that it would be grossly unfair and irresponsible to allow the situation to languish without explanation and risk damaging the reputation of the decent and hard-working members of the police force.

“From all accounts, it appears that a procedural breakdown has taken place, resulting in the situation wherein suspended officers retained service firearm and the Commissioner of Police should use the occasion to conduct an internal audit immediately to determine whether other suspended officers of the Constabulary are still in possession of their service weapons. 

“This situation is being further compounded by reports swirling around that the alleged rogue cops were not suspended, but actual part of some special squad, for which the Commissioner must give account,” Jackson said.

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