Adams

THE RACE to fill the post of top cop is well under way, with at least three applications submitted since advertisements began running in local newspapers on Sunday.

With nine days to go before the December 4 deadline, The Gleaner has learnt that, so far, one local and two overseas applications have been received.

Former Senior Superintendent of Police Reneto Adams threw his hat into the ring when he announced in the media that he wanted to lead the force.

It is also expected that acting Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington will be vying for the position. Already, he has received support from the officer corps and rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Superintendent Michael James, chairman of the Police Officers' Association (POA), is confident that Ellington will be appointed to head the force.

Ellington

Following Ellington's selection as acting commissioner, James noted: "His appointment has impacted positively on the morale of the force in general and the men in particular .... ."

The right man

James, along with other members of the POA, said Ellington was the right man for the post as he possessed the experience and management skills necessary to get the job done.

James told The Gleaner that he had no interest in the job, but said other members of the association could apply for the post.

On November 6, the position of commissioner of police became vacant after Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin called a premature end to his two-year stint.

A proactive Ellington has already stepped up joint/military activities across the country. He recently singled out gangs as a major contributor to Jamaica's mounting crime problem.

Ellington has also identified a number of areas that the police would be aggressively targeting in an effort to cramp the high levels of crime.

shernette.gillispie@gleanerjm.com