AG finds questionable transactions with JCF vehicles repairs

Edmond Campbell, Senior Staff Reporter

The Auditor General has uncovered questionable transactions in the repair of vehicles belonging to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Her findings comes weeks after a Sunday Gleaner article highlighting that the process was being abused, as some police officers were repairing their private vehicles at little or no cost at the State facility.

The Auditor General had commissioned the audit to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the JCF’s fleet management processes.

In her findings, the Auditor General highlighted operational weaknesses which she said impaired the Force’s ability to ensure the delivery of reliable law enforcement services to Jamaicans.

The Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis also identified weak oversight of the repair and maintenance activity and control over new and used parts.

She added that this could also facilitate irregularities.

According to the report, there were significant deficiencies in the management of JCF fleet.

However, the Auditor General reported that certain information was removed from her final report following an exit interview on November 13, 2012.

It was noted that the Ministry of National Security expressed concerns that the publication of this information could possibly compromise the integrity of an ongoing investigation.

Monroe Ellis pointed out that in the interest of the nation’s security her department had decided not to include some specific details in the related appendices.

However, she said all information omitted from the Report was provided to the ministry and JCF for the necessary follow-up action.

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