JCF's Visual Identification Unit praised
Published:Sunday | January 21, 2024 | 1:08 PM
The Visual Identification Unit, which plays a vital role in supporting the investigative machinery of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is receiving numerous commendations.
On Thursday, the invaluable functions of the unit were highlighted when it celebrated its 15th anniversary at is annual conference at the Police Officers' Club in St Andrew.
Often described as the lesser-known arm of the JCF, the unit supports investigations by facilitating the identification of suspects through various means. It is also responsible for conducting identification parades, both traditional and digital. The unit also produces sketches of suspects.
The occasion was also a swansong for the Commanding Officer of the unit, Deputy Superintendent Leighton Blackstock, who is retiring at the end of the year after serving for 40 years in the JCF.
During the conference, DSP Blackstock handed out recognition awards to his staff and dubbed the team from Police Area Two as the top-performing arm of the unit for 2023. Other long-serving members, including some who served in the unit since its inception, were also recognised.
Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson attended the conference and congratulated the unit for its support in fighting crime.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake and Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Bailey also joined in commending members of the unit.
King's Counsel Jeremy Taylor, Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, who was the guest speaker, applauded the unit for doing an excellent job.
Taylor also pointed out that during trials there were no procedural defects by members of the unit in the cases in which they were involved.
He also implored them to continue to be true professionals and always have an unbiased approach and integrity in doing the job.
-Barbara Gayle
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