A number of police officers are under investigation for allegedly collecting money from partygoers to provide service vehicles to unauthorised attendants for events in St. Ann during the recent holidays.
The Gleaner understands that the investigation was initiated by Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Bobbette Morgan-Simpson, who is temporarily in charge of the St. Ann Police Division.
Morgan-Simpson wrote on this subject to all non-commissioned officers in charge of the stations and departments in the municipality on August 8.
She said the region experienced heavy traffic congestion between Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6), causing long delays for commuters.
“A major factor in these delays was the number of private social events taking place on the North Shore during this period. This problem was further exacerbated by the unauthorized and unethical use of service vehicles to escort guests to events on the North Shore,” reads a section of the letter, a copy of which was viewed by The Gleaner.
Further traffic jams caused
The reason for the investigation was that several patrol cars were observed escorting convoys of private vehicles to these events.
“Sometimes up to 15 vehicles of visitors heading to events were diverted and escorted to the events, causing even more congestion for loyal motorists,” Morgan-Simpson explained, adding that a fee was reportedly charged for this.
A party guest told The Gleaner that many initially thought that the escort service was authorized.
“It was a topic of conversation during the holiday weekend. Some people said it was normal because it happens in Negril during party season. It was nothing new… Then someone else said they had paid money and that’s when we started saying, ‘No, that can’t be legal,'” the guest said, noting that those who didn’t pay were stuck in traffic for hours.
The police have often warned motorists about the heavy traffic to be expected in holiday resorts before holding parties.
In her letter, Morgan-Simpson reminded police officers of Force Order 3043 of September 29, 2005.
“Under the heading Official Use of Service Vehicles, it states: Police vehicles are provided for official police business and may not be used for unauthorized travel. Under no circumstances may police vehicles be used by unauthorized persons or for any other than official purposes,” she wrote.
Using technology fitted to each department vehicle, investigators will track usage and if the unit is found to have engaged in such activities, disciplinary action will be taken.
The acting commander declared that from now on no official vehicle could be used for escorts unless authorized by an officer assigned to the division and officially certified.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in disciplinary action against the member or team involved in the unethical activities,” the letter said.
The Gleaner He was unable to obtain an update from Morgan-Simpson on the status of the investigation, as calls to her cellphone remained unanswered by press time Thursday evening.
