DR George Phillip, a director of the ATL group of companies, says the economic and social progress of a country is dependent on an effective police force and a transparent justice system.

“A country cannot achieve meaningful economic or social progress without (it has) an effective police force and a system of justice that is blind to those in positions of power and influence,” Phillip told police officers who recently completed a a six-week junior command course at the Police Staff College in Twickenham Park, St Catherine.

The 22 officers, representing 10 police forces from across the Caribbean region, were trained in the rudiments of undertaking leadership and executive positions in their respective forces.

Speaking against the background of numerous allegations of police corruption in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Phillip told the senior cops that policemen who are involved in the sale and trafficking of narcotics, bribery and corruption, must be ostracised from the force. “Those who believe that poor performance and corruption are the norm, must be weeded out from among you forthwith,” he said.

At the same time, he urged the cops to provide the society with a police force of integrity and fair play in which the public can trust, arguing that the challenge was serious yet simple and could be achieved with dedication, sincerity and hard work.

He also told them to engage their subordinates in dialogue to help them better understand their responsibilities in the new vision to transform the force, which is integral to effective police programme.

“You must empower them (juniors) to exercise judgement and balance in the performance of their duties, you must be committed to a programme of self-development and institutional growth, you must be trained in the techniques of motivation to spur you on to do your best and you must log on to the concept of team-building,” Phillip said.