Local human rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is supporting the Police High Command's decision to transfer Detective Inspector Carlos Bell, the acting crime chief for St Thomas, to another parish.

The group has also confirmed claims by Member of Parliament James Robertson, that it was informed on Saturday about a shooting by the police in St Thomas and the move by Robertson to take the injured man to hospital.

"JFJ has long been on record calling for it to be standard procedure for police, who have serious allegations outstanding against them, to be removed from any possibility of contact with persons who have made complaints against them, while the investigation is ongoing," a spokesperson for the human rights group said in a release yesterday.

'Extrajudicial killing'

According to JFJ, it was made aware of serious allegations against police personnel in St Thomas, including an allegation of their involvement in an "extrajudicial killing" early in December 2008.

"At that time, witnesses expressed fear for their safety and alleged that the police had threatened them," the JFJ spokes-person added.

The group, which has often been at odds with the police, this time endorsed the actions of Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin.

"Our experience with this commissioner of police has been of his integrity, concern for due process and imperviousness to pressure, be it political or otherwise," JFJ said.

The release from the group came hours after Commissioner Lewin rejected the allegations of political interference in the transfer of the detective inspector.

While admitting that he instructed the transfer of Detective Inspector Bell, the commissioner said this was temporary until investigations into allegations of misconduct are completed.

Professional judgement

"My decision was based on my own professional judgement and considering all the factors available to me. My judgement can always be questioned but I take great offence to any suggestions that my decision was based on any political interference," Lewin said.

"After 36 years of impartial, professional service to this country in the military, I have absolutely no intention of sullying my record in the three years of my engagement as commissioner of police," Lewin added.