DI JCF NUH WAA INA UNO POLITICAL BANGARANG

JCF AGAINST USE OF IMAGES IN CAMPAIGNING
February 23, 2016
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is voicing its dissent against a series of viral images bearing the photograph of JCF Officers that have been fashioned into campaign paraphernalia for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
The photograph – taken by the JCF’s Corporate Communication Unit and posted on the JCF’s official Facebook page in 2012 – has been manipulated to present the impression that the five on-duty Officers, and by extension the JCF, are a part of the JLP’s campaign machinery.
Police Commissioner, Dr. Carl Williams condemns the use of these images, and explicitly notes that the JCF categorically distances itself from these images and their designer.
“The creation and publication of these images in no way defines the political positon of the organisation or the Officers in question. As a defender of the country’s democratic process, the JCF remains a neutral body, neither having nor expressing affiliation to any political party. Our official and primary role during this period is to support the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) in its administration of the General Elections.”
“The use of our Police Officers in this fashion is an unfortunate and deceitful act. It places these five Officers, who did not authorize the use of their photograph in this manner, in an uncomfortable position and at risk of unnecessary negative attention, especially during this emotionally-charged period.”
“We cannot afford and will not allow their continued viral presence to malign the professional conduct which the Police have and will continue to display during this time, nor taint any aspect of our operations as we seek to provide uncompromised safety and security during the electoral process.”
The Police High Command takes this opportunity to reiterate that all police officers should desist from overt expressions of support for one party or another.
According to Chapter 3, Section 3.2 of the JCF Book of Rules speaking to Politics and Public Policy, “members are prohibited from making any public expression showing allegiance to any Political Party. Private discussions on a national issue should not be interpreted as being in favour of or against any Political Party.”
The Force’s strict prohibition of actions or public expressions showing allegiance to any political party covers Officers:
Being engaged in political activities publicly, whether on duty or otherwise, having reported sick and being excused from office and duty
Being dressed in party colours in a manner reasonably interpreted to impute political affiliation and improper conduct
Being in the company of civilians who are engaged in behaviour designed to intimidate, and
Failing to take lawful police action when appropriately called upon.
The Inspectorate of Constabulary (IOC) has been called upon to ensure professional conduct is adhered to by all Officers on duty by monitoring the general professionalism of members of the security forces on Election Day and investigating reports of police misconduct or unprofessional behaviour. Any Officer acting counter to the set rules of operations will be severely dealt with.