"There must be a balance," Minister of National Security Dwight Nelson declared, in a clear reference to plans to highlight and reward the positive elements in the police force, at a time when the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is rocked by the indiscretions of corrupt members.

"This is a clear indication that those who perform will be rewar-ded," Nelson said of the 168 policemen and women who will enter the new year with a higher rank.

The Police High Command said the 168 policemen and women were recommended by their commanding officers and have been cleared for promotion by the Anti-Corruption Branch and the National Intelligence Bureau.

Nelson said funds have been set aside in the budget to deal with promotions as this is vitally necessary to motivate members of the security forces who have been taking on rampant criminality.

He argued that the amount to be paid out is significantly lower than an across-the-board wage increase that the Government can ill afford at this time.

As the Police High Command moves to weed out corrupt cops from the JCF, Nelson said the ministry would be targeting professional police personnel for promotion.

Nelson said the Police High Command, which is entrusted with operational responsibilities, has been allowed to do its job unimpeded by any political interference to weed out dirty cops.

Ranks

The Police High Command said the 168 members of the JCF were promoted on December 24, following publication in the weekly Force Orders.

Of the total, 54 were promoted from the rank of corporal to sergeant, while 114 were promoted from the rank of constable to corporal.

The sub-officers are now on six months' probation from the date of promotion, after which they will either be confirmed in their new posts or rejected.

The Police High Command said the 168 promotions were made to fill existing vacancies.

gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com