Chairman of the Police Federation urges responsible use of social media

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica – Sergeant Arleen McBean, president of the Jamaica Police Federation, says rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) must limit their use of social media and be more responsible.

“Many of us post on social media… Members of the JCF if you go on social media it is in a personal capacity but guess what, remember who you are and don’t use the government’s resources – clothes, car, whatever then. Some people use the gun and show it off on social media,” she said on Friday.

She spoke at the St. Elizabeth Police Department conference and pre-Father’s Day luncheon in Black River to mentor younger members.

“Let’s establish ourselves as law enforcement leaders. We cannot expect citizens to respect us if we behave in a certain way that is worrying,” she said.

“We need to guide the younger minds. When they come in and grab TikTok, they do so in areas like the waiting room where you have to be alert. Where you’re supposed to answer the phone… but still find the time to put your phone aside, look at your hair, look at this, play a song. Listen, wait until you reach your bedroom, your living room, or your dining room, or when you’re off duty in your car. Do not use the site as a physical space to do those things,” McBean added.

She said the improper use of social media by police could pose a threat to the security landscape.

“It’s not all that we as a (force) are going to share that we have technologically speaking, because the criminals are going to be sitting on the sidelines and trying to map out what’s happening,” she said.

“You don’t need to advertise every time you perform your operational tasks. Sometimes we realize that we are promoting everything on social media. I think it’s a threat to the security landscape. It makes the job of police more difficult,” McBean said.

The President of the Police Federation also reminded members of the JCF present at the event not to violate the human rights of citizens.

“I will never encourage the Jamaica Police Federation to embrace any member of the JCF who abuses the citizens of Jamaica because we have a sworn duty to protect, serve and reassure,” she said.

“…I’ll flip the script. “I will never embrace any Jamaican citizen who obstructs the police in the lawful discharge of your duties,” she added.

–Kasey Williams