Ellington urges respect for human rights

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington has issued a reminder to members of the force that they should not discriminate against persons based on their religion, race, or sexual preference.

"The Jamaica Constabulary Force believes that all citizens of Jamaica and visitors to its shores have a right to be treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of who they are, or the particular grouping to which they belong," Ellington said in the Force Orders released yesterday.

In releasing the JCF's policy on diversity, Ellington did not name any specific group, but there is little doubt that recent incidents involving members of the homosexual community triggered the statement.

"It is the duty of all members of the police force to adhere to the policy on diversity, which aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequitable treatment towards all members of the public," Ellington said.