IN JAMAICA: Police beggars.... ISCF cops told to ask retired JCF members for badges, as merger gets messy...."You saw where we are asked to go begging badges and other things?" one member asked in disbelief. "That is like 'mongrelling' out the thing," said one member.

BY PAUL HENRY Co-ordinator -- Crime/Court Desk henryp@jamaicaobserver.com  Tuesday, May 06, 2014    

THE Police High Command has directed former members of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) who have been transferred to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and who do not have badges to go begging for the emblem among retired police officers and active members with extra to spare.

The directive, issued in an e-mail from Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake, has shocked and angered the former ISCF members, who said this and other directives were clear indicators that adequate preparation was not made for their numbers, even though the authorities seemed in great haste to effect the merger of the forces.

"There are insufficient JCF badges for all members and the regulation numbers are being constructed. These, however, must not prevent members from wearing the uniform," said the e-mail from Blake.

"JCF members in possession of extra JCF badges must make them available to those who do not have. Members may also contact retired officers, with whom they are familiar, to get JCF badges," the deputy commissioner wrote.

Yesterday, a number of those affected reacted angrily, some making comments not fit for print. Some say the directive indicated that the Police High Command treated the former ISCF members with disregard.

"You saw where we are asked to go begging badges and other things?" one member asked in disbelief.

"That is like 'mongrelling' out the thing," said one member. more