KINGSTON, Jamaica — New Commissioner of Police George Quallo, in his first official address as top cop, began his presentation by zeroing on the troubled issue of corruption.

“The JCF is troubled by corruption, which impedes our efforts to effectively serve our people. It has to be dealt with urgently.“Corruption smears our image, and erodes the trust reposed in us by the citizens, as law enforcement officers. “In order to build trust, in order to defeat the mindless criminals in our midst, in order to gain your confidence, I will not turn a blind eye to corruption,” Quallo said at the start of his presentation.

He then issued a very stern warning to his colleagues. “I will lead the continuing fight to remove the stain of corruption from our uniforms, no matter the designated rank. “In this my first official communication with the people of Jamaica and my colleagues, I say with a deep and profound sense of purpose that my time as Commissioner of Police will be characterized by the valiant fight against corruption. It is essential to win the hearts and minds of all Jamaicans…simply put, building trust,” Quallo said with conviction in his voice.The installation ceremony for the nation’s 29th Commissioner of Police is currently taking place at the Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew.