Three cops interdicted following the escape of a fugitive

2 years ago

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The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting that three police officers from the Central Police lock-up in Kingston have been interdicted in connection with the escape of fugitive Olive Purnell on December 1.

The JCF says a parallel criminal investigation into the incident has begun.

The JCF noted that eight other police officers have been placed on interdiction in relation to two other cases of escape that occurred this year.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Jamaica Constabulary Force said a high-level investigation led by the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) into the incidents is currently underway.

Police Commissioner Major General Anthony Anderson has since noted that the improved integrity of police lockups is critical to the modernization of the Constabulary.

“We have sought to refurbish many police lockups across the country, because we treat this function of policing as being critical to improving our ability to keep people safe,” he said.

Anderson also emphasised that, while due process will be taken, there must be consequences for the recent escapes of detainees.

“Let me make it abundantly clear to the public and to the men and women I lead that this is a matter of accountability that I take very seriously. When people, through negligence or unprofessionalism cause the name of the JCF to be tarnished, there must be consequences,” he said.

The JCF indicated there have been eight incidents of detainees escaping from the police since the start of 2021. Of those incidents , four investigations are far advanced and are the subject of administrative processes.