But some officers of the elite Unit are arguing that the government
cannot remove the commuted allowance, which is paid to other detectives
as compensation for overtime work (13 hours).
Police officers and soldiers have been complaining about the extra
$5,000 given to cops in the Unit.
They are suggesting that instead of taking away the commuted allowance,
the government should consider removing the $5,000 incentive.
Even former Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Carl Alfonso admitted
during an interview on CNC3 on Monday night that the $5,000 incentive
paid to members of the Special Anti-Crime Unit was demoralising
to soldiers and other police officers
Soldiers who work alongside officers of the Unit are not paid the
incentive.
The $35 million intelligence-driven squad is being plagued with
a number of problems recently.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Desmond Lambert went on pre-retirement
leave last month.
His second-in-command Senior Superintendent, Carlyle Williams is
also due to go on pre-retirement leave soon.
There are reports that the government wants to buy out all of his
leave for him remain in his position.
Sources say that Williams is being offered a one-year contract.
Acting Superintendent Mervyn Richardson, who is the third senior
police officer in the Unit, is being tipped to take over from Williams
when he leaves but so far there has been no replacement for Lambert.
Investigators are not getting support with information from their
colleagues outside of the Unit to track down criminals.
While Brigadier Joseph has been claiming that the Unit has been
successful in solving a number of crimes, this has been disputed
by other senior police officers. |
