Cops on Transport Authority Payroll *Cabbies fear unjust treatment

• Cabbies fear unjust treatment

Taxi operators are livid over the discovery that police officers that work with the Transport Authority inspectors out in the field are paid a monthly stipend by said authority, THE STAR understands.

Documents obtained through the Access To Information Act revealed that in circumstances where police officers and inspectors work together for the greater part of the day, the Transport Authority pays a small monthly stipend to police officers to defray the cost of breakfast and lunch. Despite several checks, THE STAR was unable to ascertain exactly how much the lawmen are paid.

In our latest attempt yesterday, our news team was asked to email queries, which would be answered at a later time.

Meanwhile, when our news team visited sections the Corporate Area, several taxi operators, legal and illegal, who spoke with THE STAR, did not take kindly to this new bit of information.

Kevin Grant*, a legal taxi operator, said, "Mi can't feel good bout that, fi know say the Government a pay dem and Transport a pay dem pan di side same way."

double pressure

A robot taxi operator, Michelle Lewis, added, "Well, me offended, dem a get two pay. Even though we illegal, a double pressure pan wi. Dem a go work to the fullest to collect dem money, and will do whatever to keep being paid."

Dion Chance, president of National Council of Taxi Association (NCOTA), has labelled the findings as disturbing and alarming and says more information is needed on the matter.

"I was not aware of this and it's not a comforting feeling. Based on the complaint from members, my mind is now thinking that's why certain decisions would swing that way. If I am being paid, I'm going to ensure that whatever decision is being made is in keeping with the authority. Sometime you wonder about things like the habit of holding on to drivers' documents," she said.

Chance, however, said that not all policemen would abuse the process, as "a few officers will work in the interest of the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force)."

When THE STAR contacted Executive Director at National Integrity Action, Professor Trevor Munroe, he said the practice was new to him. However, when asked if the practice was corrupt in any way, Munroe told THE STAR he would like to know more from the parties involved before making a comment.