THE Police Officers Association (POA), the body representing top cops, have objected to the retention of businessman and Gleaner chairman, Oliver Clarke, on the newly named Police Services Commission.

Superintendent Michael James, head of the association which represents officers from the rank of deputy superintendent to commissioner, told the Observer Tuesday that several members had come out against the decision to retain Clarke as a member of the commission.

According to James, the cops thought Clarke was "feisty and condescending".

"Quite a number of members of the corps have signalled to us that they are not pleased with his inclusion. They described him as insulting and belittling. The membership is uneasy," James said.

James, the POA chairman has been doing the talkshow round, speaking for members who said they were also opposed to Clarke based on how he treated cops while he (Clarke) served on the Police Civilian Oversight Authority.
"There is also concern over his attitude towards members," said James.

A newly-named Commission, headed by Professor Gordon Shirley, was named last week Monday to take over the reins from the Noel Hylton-led membership, whose term expired on January 31. The other outgoing members are Justice Avril McKain, Dr Lloyd Barnett and Dr Marshall Hall.

The proposal for Clarke and firebrand preacher, Reverend Al Miller, to be included on the commission, was met with resistance as Opposition and Government representatives haggled over the make-up of the commission. But while Clarke was allowed to continue serving, Miller was rejected.

The move to keep Clarke was seen as a retrograde step as a wholesale change of membership would be more acceptable, James said.

"Why not go for a 100 per cent renewal of the commission?" James asked.

The Police Service Commission appoints and disciplines officers from the rank of police commissioner down to inspector and also recommends which cops are eligible for study leave and retirement.