Features

Employing members of the force to do civil duty

A SENIOR CITIZEN claims he is getting the "run around" from some police officers in his attempt to recover $1,000 he paid to a policeman to serve an eviction notice.

According to the elderly man, in December 2003 he went to a courthouse seeking the assistance of a bailiff to serve the notice on a tenant who was living at his house.

"A man dressed in police uniform presented himself as a bailiff. He charged me $1,000 for his service but was reluctant in providing me with a receipt. My granddaughter who was with me at the time as my assistant because I am registered blind, insisted on getting a receipt from him. He reluctantly gave us the receipt which is dated 15.12.2004.

I left for England shortly after but I instructed my son to enquire at the courthouse if the notice was served. I had also instructed the policeman to inform my lawyer when he had served the notice. My son made several attempts to contact the policeman but was not successful and my lawyer has not heard from the policeman.

I returned to Jamaica this year and went to the courthouse where I was informed that the policeman was no longer working there. I went to several police stations to complain about the injustice but the results have all been negative because all I am getting is the run around.

I am tired of being treated in an unfair and unreasonable manner over my money because all I want is help to redeem my $1,000 from the policeman who said he was a bailiff."

Take action

If you are having problems with the policeman in getting back your money, then you could report the matter to the Performance Standard Branch at 34 Duke Street, Kingston, where police officers there will investigate the matter and take action, if necessary, against the policeman.

The policeman, in your case was carrying out a civil duty which he is not required by law to do.

Section 13 of The Constabulary Force Act states clearly what are the duties of the police. It states in part that it shall not be lawful to employ any member of the force in the service of any civil process, or in the levying of rents, rates or taxes for or on behalf of any private person or incorporated company.