Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Detective Constable Carey Lyn-Sue, whose confession about fabricating evidence in a murder case has sparked a national debate on police conduct, said his decision to come clean has united his family and pulled them closer to God.

"I have the full support of my family because they too believe in integrity," said Detective Constable Lyn-Sue, who was suspended from duty by Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin in the aftermath of his confession. "This incident has united my family and has pulled us closer to God."

Support colleagues

Despite the public bashing he has been getting from some of his colleagues in the constabulary, the repentant cop, who note that he has been praying a great deal and asking God to keep him humble and guide his every step, says contrary to popular belief, he has been getting calls from some of his colleagues expressing understanding and solidarity.

"I don't feel abandoned in any way," said Lyn-Sue, whose last assignment was with the Area One Accident Reconstruction and Investigative Unit. "I am surprised by the level of support I have been getting."

In an interview on radio yesterday, Public Defender Earl Witter joined those persons who, while not asking that the detective constable escape punishment for the act he confessed he did, was of the view his punishment should be tempered with mercy.

"Some are prepared to condemn him outright and they have been scathing in their criticism because, by his own admission, if true, he would have committed what is manifestly a corrupt act," said Mr. Witter.

"What I would say to those whose position is no mercy, is that they can go on casting the first stone but this constable, if taken at his word, is well on the way to rehabilitation and there is much that one could argue in terms of mitigation."

While some of the persons who have been applauding him are expressing a desire to see him remain in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Detective Constable Lyn-Sue said he has not given much thought to that matter, preferring to leave his fate in God's hand.

"If you believe in God for some things you must believe in Him in all things, so I will leave those matters in His hands," he said. "I know God has a plan for me; that is why I am not worried."

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com