P M Holness calls on JCF to conduct public education campaign about cop / civilian interaction

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has called on the leadership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to conduct a public education campaign, over a 3 year period, to enlighten citizens and cops about how to interact with each other.

Dr. Holness also affirmed that police officers found to be involved in unfavourable incidents with civilians should be interdicted or removed from the force.

He made the comments yesterday at the graduation ceremony for staff and junior command course, at the police college in St. Catherine.

Dr. Holness acknowledged the difficulties cops face when interacting with civilians, adding that the civilian’s behaviour is influenced by a history of fear and mistrust, as well as a culture of resisting authority.

The Prime Minster said this oftentimes results in confrontations.     

He said the uncivil incidents are not good for the country.

Dr. Holness said that kind of behaviour cannot continue.