Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

WESTERN BUREAU:

The growing number of murder accused out on bail and deplorable working conditions of some police personnel were concerns raised by senior officers at an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Bruce Golding and National Security Minister Colonel Trevor MacMillan this week.

"Some officers also expressed their disgust over statements made recently by (Police) Commissioner (Rear Admiral Hardley) Lewin," said a senior officer who spoke with The Gleaner yesterday.

Lewin was also present at the meeting.

Complaints

The senior officer and others who were at the meeting told The Gleaner the statements made by the commissioner had plunged the membership into a state of low morale. In the meantime, several rank-and-file members have complained bitterly about how they are being spoken to and treated by some commanding officers.

A popular superintendent said the prime minister told the meeting the issue was a matter Lewin would have to deal with. The officer also said some members spoke openly about their concerns.

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday stated that "concerns were raised by members of the officer corps on matters relating to courts and how sentencing is done for certain offences".

It continued: "The officers also had concerns relating to the physical condition of some police stations."

Prime Minister Golding gave the assurance he would address those concerns through the commissioner and national security minister.