Traffic Cop Arrested. In a shocking turn of events, law enforcement authorities have taken a traffic cop into custody after being implicated in a scandal involving the solicitation and collection of a staggering $230,000 from a motorist involved in a vehicular crash.
The incident took place on Friday, April 17, in the parish, leaving the community in awe over the alleged corruption.
The officer involved is a constable currently assigned to the St Ann’s Bay Traffic Department.
According to reports, the traffic cop arrested initially demanded $250,000 from the motorist, then reduced it to $230,000.
The constable allegedly informed the motorist that the payment was for the return of the vehicle from the pound.
The complainant reported the incident to the Inspectorate of Professional Standards Oversight Bureau of the police. Subsequently, the Oversight Bureau initiated an investigation into the allegations.
As a result, investigators initiated a sting operation, providing the complainant with marked bills which he later handed over to the officer.
Law enforcement later arrested the policeman. And the arresting officers allegedly found the marked money in one of his pockets.
The traffic cop arrested is currently in custody while the investigation is ongoing.
The asking for and collection of bribes by traffic officers is a significant problem within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). In October 2024, the JCF raised the authority required for seizing motor vehicles to the rank of inspector. This decision aimed to reduce the excessive and careless seizure of vehicles by police officers, which posed risks to both individuals and property.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) clarified that seizing a motor vehicle is not mandatory. They referenced Section 13 of the Road Traffic Act (2018), which specifies that vehicles may be seized for several reasons. These reasons include operating without a license, lacking a decal, failing to display registration plates, having obscured registration plates, or not being properly registered.