Sexual assault allegation rocks Ocho Rios police
February 09, 2007
A female constable attached to the Ocho Rios Police Station has accused a male colleague of sexually assaulting her at gunpoint, prompting an investigation by the police High Command.
The incident, police sources say, has affected morale at the Ocho Rios Police Station where some officers are accusing their department heads of engaging in a cover-up.
"This looks bad from the top to the bottom," one police officer who requested anonymity told The Gleaner yesterday. "What is even worse, is that there is now an attempt by some senior officers to smear the victim to make it look like she had it coming. This is a woman who has her family; her children. Where is the justice here?"
Thorough investigation
Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, having been made aware of the incident, has reportedly told the victim that she has his word that the matter will be investigated thoroughly. Repeated attempts to reach the commissioner yesterday were unsuccessful.
It is reported that on the night of January 17, the woman was in one of the barracks at the Ocho Rios station when the detective barged into the room and made advances. When she declined to respond favourably to his request for sexual favours, he allegedly placed a gun behind her right ear and fondled her.
After consulting with her peer counselor and other officers, the woman was advised to take the matter to the Commissioner of Police....
Author: Garwin Davis
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
