Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
WHEN HE was named commissioner of police in 1993, politicians and civic leaders agreed that Colonel Trevor MacMillan was the right man for the job.
The former Jamaica Defence Force officer will replace Derrick Smith as minister of national security, less than eight months after the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was elected to government.
Last week, Prime Minister Bruce Golding met with security officials to address the latest jump in murders. Talk of Smith being ditched followed shortly after.
MacMillan is best known for his controversial stint as police commissioner.
He was lauded by independents for his tough approach to rid the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) of rogue cops. But the ex-army man alienated JCF hardliners when he sidelined veterans like Isaiah Laing and Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford to desk jobs.
Larger police force
MacMillan has been consistent in his call for a larger police force, which he says would help reduce crime. He operates a private security firm and supports more liberal gun laws.
"There is no reason why good-intentioned citizens shouldn't get a firearm licence if they wanted it," he said in March 2006.
Road to the top
Served the JDF for 27 years. Resigned as police commissioner in 1996. Co-founded Jamaicans For Justice. Helped draft JLP crime plan in 2005. Appointed to Senate in 2006.
