US embassy cable - 05KINGSTON2003

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KINGSTON 002003 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR INL/LP AND WHA/CAR 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2014 
TAGS: PREL, SNAR, KCRM, JM, corruption 
SUBJECT: NAS DIRECTOR'S COURTESY CALL ON POLICE COMMISSIONER 
 
REF: KINGSTON 01921 
 
Classified By: Charge Thomas C. Tighe for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (U) Summary: NAS Director paid a courtesy call on Jamaica 
Constabulary Force (JCF) Commissioner Lucius Thomas on August 
19.  The discussion focused on the NAS-funded National 
Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Law Enforcement Development 
Advisor (LEDA), and the recruitment of foreign officers. End 
Summary. 
 
2. (C) Thomas noted that the NAS-funded Law Enforcement 
Development Advisor (LEDA) is an integral part of his 
management program.  He described the LEDA as someone who 
brings fresh ideas to the force, and is very effective in 
capacity building.  Thomas acknowledged, however, that the 
LEDA's no-cost modernization and reform program had been put 
"on hold" indefinitely as the GOJ does not have the resources 
to implement it.  The restructuring of the Jamaica 
Constabulary Force (JCF) is an essential piece of the 
modernization and reform effort.  The  present structure is 
not conducive to efficient and effective operations and 
prohibits accountability of individual and subordinate units 
within the JCF.  Both internal and international reviews have 
concluded that restructuring of the JCF would be beneficial 
in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and 
enhanced resource management.  The proposal involves the 
elimination of the current five Area Command structures and 
the establishment of three Regional Commands along existing 
county boundaries with each region commanded by a deputy 
commissioner of police.  The preliminary restructuring would 
be comprised of changes in lines of command, control and 
reporting, accountability and rank structures.  Thus, the 
restructuring may be accomplished without extensive expense. 
 
3. (C) With regards to the NAS funded National Intelligence 
Bureau (NIB) Advisor, Thomas stated that the NIB Advisor was 
a stickler for discipline and very professional.  While 
Thomas admitted that the Advisor receives constant 
"resistance" from some members of the force, he noted that 
"discipline is what the force needs" at this time in addition 
to someone who could communicate well.  Thomas stated that 
the NIB Advisor has his full support and should continue to 
work on vetting of officers.  (Note: Although Thomas has 
voiced his support of the NIB, the unit remains strapped for 
resources as well as for strong, effective leadership.  Ref 
A).  NAS Director requested that the Commissioner visit the 
NIB to show his support for the Advisor and the Unit, which 
he agreed to do. 
 
4. (C) In June 2005, the JCF began advertising in the UK, 
Australia, Canada and the U.S. for four assistant 
commissioners of police.  The advertisements invite 
applications from serving or retired officers who have held 
senior command positions.  Thomas explained the difficulty in 
recruiting foreign officers as due to concerns about pay and 
security in Jamaica.  The deadline for applications was July 
15.  The JCF has received over eighteen applications, mainly 
mainly from the UK and Canada.  The Police Services 
Commission has interviewed an applicant from the UK and one 
from Canada.  While acknowledging that there are some members 
of the JCF disgruntled at being "looked over" in favor of a 
foreign officer, Thomas noted that while there are some good 
officers in the force, the expertise "just isn't there."  One 
of the foreign recruits will be put in charge of the 
Professional Standards Branch (PSB), the division responsible 
for investigating internal corruption, which is currently 
being lead by Assistant Commissioner of Police Novelette 
Grant.  Thomas pointed out that he is aware that Grant is not 
pleased by the presence of foreign officers and stated that 
with encouragement, most officers, including Grant, "should 
come around."  (Note:  During an August 17 meeting with 
Grant, she advised NAS Director that she "had no problem" 
with the presence of foreign officers but preferred to see 
JCF Officers going abroad for training, as she herself had 
done.  End Note.)  In addition to the PSB, other areas in 
which the foreign officers will work include the homicide and 
serious crime division, operations and firearms, and 
community policing. 
 
5. (C) Comment:  While Commissioner Thomas voices enthusiasm 
and appreciation for both the NIB and LEDA advisors, Post's 
view is that the Commissioner can do more to support both 
programs.  NAS will urge Thomas to play a more active role in 
showing support for the NIB Advisor by making appearances at 
the Unit and by compelling all officers within the Unit to be 
vetted.  He should also play a more active role in the reform 
and modernization project by making clear to the Minister of 
National Security that the project is a big step in the right 
direction and is needed now.  End Comment. 
TIGHE