The Police Federation yesterday held a meeting with members of the Old Harbour police in St Catherine following claims that there would be an unceremonious mass transfer of personnel.

Chairman of the Federation, Raymond Wilson, said immediate counselling was now underway for the police men and women.

"Having found out that political interference is the underlying factor in the transfer of the members. An emergency meeting will be sought with the commissioner, plus counselling from the Chaplaincy unit," Chairman Wilson said.

He told THE WEEKEND STAR that there was no intention to undermine the commissioner's authority, but there has to be transparency on how the transfer would be carried out.

"We responded to our members plight having heard that more than 60 persons would be transferred. It does not feel good as we learnt that the member of parliament has demanded their removal and records show that they are working well," Wilson said.

The meeting came after residents of the Old Harbour community demonstrated from as early as 8 a.m. with placards demanding that the decision be reversed.

As early as 8 a.m., the residents had began demonstrating about the mass transfer.