Polygraph testing for cops in Jamaica

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Police officers who wish to be promoted to certain ranks within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) or to serve in sensitive areas, will have to undergo polygraph testing. 

Police Commissioner Francis Forbes, who made the announcement at a recent passing out parade and awards ceremony, said the move was aimed at removing corrupt police officers from the force.

"A corrupt police force cannot fight crime. We intend to remove every corrupt cop, one by one, until a firm and unequivocal message is sent that the JCF is not a comfortable place for rogue cops," he stated.

He went on to say that software was being acquired that would make it difficult for policemen to tamper with the traffic ticketing system or remove supporting records. "I have a message for every police officer; whether you are taking a $500 bill not to write a ticket, or you are engaged in more sophisticated methods of corruption, your time is up," he said.

The constables, comprising 13 women and 106 men, also participated in a one-week tourism sensitisation course conducted by the Tourism Production Development Company (TPDCo), to prepare them for assignment in the resort areas of Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. The course aimed to foster an awareness of the tourism industry and to familiarise officers with the main issues affecting the areas.

This is the first batch of constables to receive training in tourism awareness, which entailed instruction in customer relations, self-development, history and the marketing of 

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