HE REPORTEDLY carried a M16, a legitimate police badge, ID and denim uniform, while patrolling the streets of Montego Bay for six months, before members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) realised he was not one of their own.

For 182 days, 23-year-old Courtney Grayson of Hendon Norwood, in St James, worked as a policeman at the Mt Salem Police Station in Montego Bay, before he was arrested and charged for impersonating a police officer and unlawful possession of property.

It is ironic that this was the same station at which a legitimate police officer, Corporal Grantley Waite was allegedly beaten by a constable on November 15, 2005, because he was mistaken for an impostor. Waite later died at hospital.

On Wednesday, when Grayson appeared in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate (RM) Court, he was remanded in custody until April 1.

It is understood that RM Winsome Henry is awaiting further inquires from the investigating officer who is on a two-week training course.

According to reports Grayson's girlfriend said she first met him six months ago while he was on duty with a number of his colleagues. The two later started a relationship and lived together. She said he went to work daily, dressed in his denim, combat boots, bulletproof vest and JCF badge.

The police, acting on information, arrested Grayson on March 8.

Grayson is said to be originally from Spanish Town, St Catherine.

It is not clear how Grayson could have penetrated the system and posed as a policeman for months as appointments and transfers of police personnel are published in the 'Force Orders'.

Superintendent Maurice Robinson, who has responsibility for St James, was tightlipped when contacted by The Gleaner on Friday.

"No comment on the issue at this point in time," he said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Les Green was reluctant to comment on the matter. He referred The Gleaner to ACP Denver Frater whose cellular number went to voice mail, while his office phone rang without an answer.

At press time, Karl Angell, director of communications at the JCF, told The Gleaner that incidents like these were unfortunate. He said it showed that the police must be vigilant at all times.

"It is a matter that I am sure will be investigated by the office of inspectorate of the constabulary," he said.

Angell said the organisation was, however, pleased that, in this instance, the matter came before the court and was being dealt with. "It points to major security breaches, which should not be allowed to happen again," he cautioned.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com