New Commissioner of Police by September

It is expected that a new Commissioner of Police will be appointed during the month of September.

The Police Services Commission will advertise publicly for the position, beginning this week, and it is anticipated that during the month of August, applications will be received and reviewed, and applicants shortlisted and interviewed.

This was disclosed by Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, in a Statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 15.

The former Commissioner, Owen Ellington, announced his retirement from the post over two weeks ago.

Mr. Bunting told the House that he was formally notified by way of a letter on Monday, June 30, that Mr. Ellington will retire from his post on the completion of vacation leave due to him.

“Commissioner Ellington indicated in his letter that his decision to retire was based on the need to separate himself from the leadership and management of the force prior to the commencement of the upcoming Commission of Enquiry into the conduct of the operations of the security forces in Western Kingston and other areas during the limited state of emergency in 2010,” Mr. Bunting said.

In addition, Mr. Ellington expressed that his retirement would allow the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), to conduct its investigations into allegations of police-involved killings in the Clarendon Division, without any perception of influence or interference on his part.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bunting noted that based on discussions with Mr. Ellington over time, he was not “entirely surprised when he advised me of his retirement.”

“The job of a Commissioner in a country with one of the highest crime rates is extremely tough and demanding. Many of the causal factors for violent crimes are outside the control of law enforcement, yet law enforcement is often held entirely responsible for getting it under control. Let me again thank Mr. Ellington for his 34 years of service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force and in particular, for his leadership through a very turbulent period,” the Minister said.

The Police Services Commission has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Glenmore Hinds, to act as Commissioner from July 1.