Jamaica fires scores of bad cops

Jamaica has fired as many as 184 "bad cops" as part of its move to root out corruption.

The head of the Anti-Corruption branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) told journalists in Kingston that scores of police were kicked out of the service because they were either involved in corrupt activities or found unfit to serve.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Justin Felice said that figures to date show that 184 police officers were removed and the majority of them – 133 – have been refused re-enlistment

"One of those strategies is a cleansing programme to rid the organisation of officers who act unethically, corruptly, or who are not displaying the professionalism required of the JCF,” Felice said.

He also revealed that 56 police officers have been arrested so far this year and 35 of them were charged with various offences.

Felice said he in encouraged by the changes he is seeing but admitted that there is still a lot more to be done. “I can see that the managers are endorsing the fight against corruption in the organisation and the unethical behaviour which has tainted the Force for some years,” he said.

“But we can't turn around the lack of investment and a lack of training and education over the last 30, 40 years, straight away, so it's going to take a long time but I'm encouraged and I know the Police Commissioner is encouraged by the progress we've made so far.”