Stewart

Superintendent Ezra Stewart is an experienced investigator, an impartial lawman and probably one of the most hated persons within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Among his peers, he is both revered and feared as he proudly carries the unofficial title of having arrested the highest number of cops since joining the JCF.

Close to two dozen police personnel, over the past 15 years, have been arrested and charged, and some have been thrown behind bars as a result of Stewart's investigations. Unburdened by his unpopularity, Stewart believes it is a job someone has to do.

"I feel hated sometimes because a number of my colleagues believe that I am out to get them, but I am just doing my job in a professional manner," the 32-year veteran of the police force told The Gleaner.

In recent years, he has been harshly criticised by some colleagues, especially after investigating and arresting a superintendent (now retired) in connection with a shooting incident. That officer was later acquitted of the charges.

About four years ago, Stewart arrested a special constable who was implicated in a robbery/shooting incident on a ganja field in Westmoreland. The special constable was convicted and sentenced to 18 years.

"I have never, and will never, tell an ounce of lie on any of my colleagues. I am consoled by my professionalism," the senior officer said.

A few years ago, he was given the task of probing a number of senior officers who had issued firearm permits under suspicious or questionable circumstances. While he did not disclose his findings, Stewart said he was again criticised for the decisions he had to take.

Christened an Anglican, he attended St Catherine High School and grew up in the Twickenham Park area of Spanish Town, St Catherine. He later attended the University of the West Indies, where he is currently completing a master's degree.

Apart from his father, who was a security officer, his admiration for the uniform, backed by a few friends, influenced him to join the police force in 1977. He has served in Portland, in the Complaints Division, in the Office of Professional Responsibility and in the Kingston West Division.

During the tenure of former Police Commissioner Francis Forbes, Stewart said he was transferred to Portland following allegations that a number of police personnel there were involved in a cocaine heist.

To deal with the corruption

"I was sent there to deal with the corruption and I arrested a number of policemen," the tough-talking cop said.

Speaking about police shootings, Stewart stressed that it was the nature of the job and that police would make some genuine mistakes. However, he added that it was important for them to acknowledge when they made mistakes.

"I think the BSI (Bureau of Special Investigations) can bring some changes to the police force," he said.

His immediate supervisor, Assistant Commissioner Granville Gause, has described him as a fearless, committed and no-nonsense investigator.

"This is a man who is rigid and does things the old-school way," commented ACP Gause.

glenroy.sinclair@gleanerjm.com