Dwayne Mcleod, Staff Reporter

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is warning the public to beware of criminals posing as police personnel.

"Criminals will find creative ways of doing whatever it is they want to do, whether it be posing as a police officer, soldier or even a doctor," said Detective Inspector Altemont 'Parro' Campbell, of the Flying Squad.

Although admitting that this was nothing new to the police, Detective Inspector Campbell told THE STAR that there have been several arrests of men posing as members of the (JCF) and carrying out illegal acts.

The police have issued this advice in the wake of two recent incidents in which criminals attempted to mislead citizens into thinking they were lawmen.

Last Thursday, one man was shot dead and his accomplice held during a shooting incident with members of the Flying Squad in Vineyard Town, east Kingston.

Police reports are that about 9 p.m., Flying Squad detectives were patrolling the community and signalled the driver of a black Nissan motorcar to stop.

Two men reportedly ran from the car and allegedly opened fire at the police. The fire was returned and one of the men was hit.

The driver sped away while another man was later found suffering from gunshot wounds and clutching an illegal weapon. The third man was reportedly found on the roof of a house in the community.

Investigators say the men were planning to impersonate police detectives and rob a businessman in the area.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident is still being sought.

Detective Inspector Campbell also pointed to a recent incident in which heavily armed men invaded Marverley, St. Andrew, and were on a course to wreaking havoc.

The men, who were wearing blue denim, were thwarted when residents, who noticed they were wearing sneakers, escaped before the men opened fire.

As such, citizens are being urged to demand proper identification when approached by individuals who claim to be members of the JCF.

"All policemen are given identification cards, so we are begging residents to be extremely cautious and request that officers identify themselves properly," warns Detective Inspector Campbell.

Should any suspicions arise, persons are being asked to contact the Flying Squad at 922-2373 or 922-7322.