LEWIN

Jamaica's Police Chief, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, has tendered his resignation to the Police Service Commission, ending weeks of speculation that a show-down with the Government was imminent, The Gleaner has learnt.

While not coming as a shock exit, the news of Lewin's departure has hit Jamaicans two days after Derick Latibeaudiere walked away from the top job at the central bank.

Government officials could not be reached for comment yesterday as they were reportedly locked away at a party retreat.

Lewin's resignation has brought the curtains down on weeks of widespread claims he had planned to throw in the towel. Only two weeks ago, Lewin adamantly dismissed as rumours, suggestions that he was on his way out.

"I wish to assure you that this uniform and insignia here are still the Jamaica Constabulary Force, not the Bermuda Police Force," Lewin said.

The commissioner also told journalists there were many people who would love to see his back, among them detractors from the political hierarchy, the police force, the business elite and even the media.

"Should the Police Services Commission or the prime minister have any issue with me or my leadership, then by just a simple statement that there are issues, my professional response would be to step aside and make room for somebody else."

This is the second time in his stint, which lasted a month shy of two years, that he has tendered his resignation. However, he was persuaded to stay on after protracted discussions involving influential members of the private sector. This time around, Lewin's resignation is expected to be readily accepted as the Bruce Golding administration was reportedly unhappy with his stewardship.

The prime minister has reportedly chided the police force over its failure to implement measures to curb murders, which last year tolled above 1,600, and put the brakes on other major crimes.

National Security Minister Dwight Nelson last month told The Gleaner the Government had played its part by providing the tools to facilitate the police force, which has operational responsibilities for crime fighting.

But Lewin has adamantly refused to shoulder the blame for the current crime level, saying the political directorate had failed to provide him with a crime plan. He has, in the past, criticised politicians for their role in fomenting tribalistic violence in garrison constituencies and causing the tentacles of crime to choke the society at large.

"The strategic priorities are there. We need the grand strategy that is going to address the long-term, sustainable reduction," Lewin had asserted.

Initial strife

The announcement of Lewin as commissioner of police was initially greeted by howls of protest from the Police Officers' Association, as well as from the Jamaica Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file cops. They felt the choice by the Police Service Commission would undermine qualified persons within the force. Both groups subsequently backtracked on their stance, claiming that after many discussions, their concerns were properly addressed.

Lewin is Jamaica's 26th commissioner of He had retired as head of the Jamaica Defence Force to take up the job of chief constable.

Informed sources say Deputy Commissioner Owen Ellington, who administers the operations portfolio, is the man likely to succeed Lewin.

The crime portfolio has claimed the resignations of two police chiefs (Lucius Thomas and Lewin) and two security ministers (Derrick Smith and Colonel Trevor MacMillan) since the Golding Government came to power in 2007.

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com

Lewin'sfinal march

December 2007: Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin is appointed as head of the JCF after some 36 years in the JDF.

December 20, 2007: Lewin says he will shut down some "inadequate and ineffective" police stations.

June 2, 2008: Lewin tenders resignation after just 168 days in the job. This comes amid speculation about the rear admiral's relationship with Colonel Trevor MacMillan.

May 28, 2009: Blasts cops who abuse the force, citing religious commitment.

October 14, 2009: Lewin downplays talk of resignation but admits that there are those who want him out.

October 19, 2009: Lewin looks to deploy more cops and hire civilians from among those who Government intends to cut from staff lists.

October 21, 2009: Government sources are adamant that it is not a matter of if, but when, Lewin would be replaced.

November 1, 2009: Lewin resigns.