District Constables restive

Members of the District Constable Association have expressed concerns that they are being asked to pay $16,000 for their uniforms.

The members said that their colleagues in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) (regulars) are not being asked to pay for their uniforms. The uniform comprises a pair of boots, shirts, pants, and crest.

It was revealed that the district constables are at the lowest end of the pay scale. They said even when the members work for 40 years or more, there is no pension or other benefits. Members said the new addition to their expenses is grossly unfair.

Last Friday, the members were told to sign documents for their supplies, but most refused.

The members said they are not going to sign for any uniform, as they simply cannot afford to pay for it.

Instead, the members are asking that their status be regularised as they are working full-time like others in the JCF.

When contacted, senior members of the association refused to speak on the issue.

In an interview in March this year, Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, agreed that the DCs work have become a full-time job.

Bunting said that there was a document before Parliament to regularise the group of more than 1,000 members.

- R.T.