Carl Williams becomes Commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force

Carl Williams. PHOTO/Jamaica Observer

Carl Williams is to be installed as Jamaica’s 28th Police Commissioner replacing Owen Ellington who retired in June.

The 50-year-old Williams takes over command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) at a time when crime is trending down on the island-nation. However, he faces major challenges in building trust in a police force many Jamaicans feel is corrupt and tends to display disregard for the human rights of citizens.

Williams, who joined the police force in 1984, has held various roles in the JCF – he has a proven track record of innovation and performance, and is the founding director of the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption task force; he Jamaica’s successful anti-narcotics campaign from 2000 – 2004 with the successful prosecution and/or extradition of a number of major narcotics traffickers.

Williams installation ceremony is expected to be attended by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Holness and Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting.