WESTERN BUREAU:

The St James police are again in the spotlight, following last week's suspension of four policemen and the reassignment of several others amid allegations that they colluded with inmates to sell contraband in a lock-up.

The Gleaner understands that the four - a constable and three district constables who are attached to the Montego Freeport Police Station lock-up - are now the focus of an internal investigation, arising from the seizure of more than $100,000 inside a cell.

Well-placed sources say that the prisoners had access to contraband items such as ganja, cigarettes, lighters and cash. Information reaching The Gleaner is that inmates were also approached by lawmen, who offered to "water down" their cases for a fee.

"I can confirm that we have a matter under investigation down there ... (because of) allegations having been made about possible police corruption," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake, officer with responsibility for the Area One Police.

"The investigation is a collaborative effort between the PSB (Professional Standards Branch) and my office."

No more friendly policemen

A relative of an inmate told The Gleaner yesterday that since the money was found, the laissez-faire atmosphere no longer exists at the cellblock. He noted that prisoners have lost the support of 'friendly policemen' to acquire prohibited items for them.

"Since the money get bust everything lock down. Mi understand a pure new face inna di place," he explained. One of the reassigned policemen, when contacted, refused to comment.

The St James Police Division has been dogged with allegations of corruption against some of its members, with a number of them now before the courts on criminal charges. In addition, there was a mass transfer of about 40 rank-and-file members on January 9.

Days later, Detective Constable Carey Lyn-Sue confessed in court that he submitted false statements after no one was willing to come forward with evidence in a case of murder against 22-year-old Jason James of Granville, St James. Lyn-Sue was sent on immediate suspension and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is to make a ruling in the matter.