WESTERN BUREAU:
ELEVEN POLICEMEN attached to the Area One Police Narcotics Division are under investigation regarding their alleged involvement in acts of impropriety.
Details surrounding the allegations were not available to The Gleaner up to press time yesterday but a senior officer confirmed that the law enforcement officers, headquartered in Montego Bay, St. James, had been served notices outlining the allegations against them. Two of the policemen are said to be on leave. Sources close to the case have alleged that the "men may be asked to resign in the public interest".
OFFICERS MUM
However, high-ranking officers, when contacted yesterday, were tight-lipped about the investigations.
"I am a part of the management team but I am not aware of the status of the investigations," commented Deputy Superintendent Hubert Miller, of the narcotics division in Kingston.
The Area One Police Narcotics Division is said to have a complement of 25 police personnel who carry out office duties as well as the manning of the island's ports to stem the flow of illegal drugs.
More than 20 police personnel have run afoul of the law since the start of the year, with several cited for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act.
Yesterday, head of the Traffic Division, Senior Superintendent Elan Powell, urged members of the department to resist the temptation to accept bribes, especially during the busy Christmas season. He said there would be an increase in sting operations aimed at stemming corruption in the force.
"I'm warning my men, you'll be tempted but please resist the temptation at all cost. It is not worth compromising yourselves for a few hundred, or even a few thousand dollars. So, don't compromise yourselves."
Mr. Powell also warned motorists that they would be charged if they were caught offering bribes to the police.
