The possibility of an individual from outside the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) being appointed to head that body has been met with resistance from the two major police groups - the Police Officers' Association and the Police Federation.

Since the announced resignation of Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas on Wednesday, the name of ex-army man and current Electoral Office of Jamaica head, Danville Walker, has been bandied about after sources close to The Gleaner named him as a possible replacement.

However, Corporal Hartley Stewart, general secretary of the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file members, said his organisation is backing an appointment from within the force.

"The Police Federation hopes that that is mere speculation, because there are competent officers in the JCF," Cpl. Stewart said. "I believe if we look at those competent Jamaicans serving within the force, we should be able to find comfortably, the next commissioner of police."

Chairman of the Police Officers' Association, Superintendent Norman Heywood, has expressed similar thoughts.

Done necessary training

"From an organisation perspective, we have served the organisation, we have joined the organisation with certain expectations and we have done all the necessary training. We have garnered experience, we have qualified ourselves and we have positioned ourselves within the organisation for that top job," Supt. Heywood said.

If Walker is appointed, it would be the second time the Police Service Commission, the organisation responsible for making the selection, would have chosen someone outside the JCF.

In 1993, retired army colonel, Trevor MacMillan, became the first such individual to be appointed to the post.

"When you are going to appoint somebody as head of the organisation, you have to appoint somebody who is competent and capable," Col. Macmillan told The Gleaner yesterday. "If there is somebody more competent and capable and can do a better job outside, I don't see a problem with that."

Supt. Heywood, however, said the selection of an "outsider" could have negative repercussions for the force.

"Like any other organisation, members will feel disgruntled if they are overlooked just like that. To bring in somebody for the top job that you are aspiring to all your life would signal a sense of hopelessness to members as to how far they can go."