Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has directed that the Chair of the Police Officers’ Association (POA) be vacated.

The post is held by Senior Superintendent Wayne Cameron.

The instruction was given in a correspondence sent to the officers corps.

The letter dated today, said Dr. Blake in exercising his powers of superintendence over the force, gave the directive.

It said the current chair will no longer be granted audience with the High Command and is not permitted to represent the JCF outside of official duties.

The document said in the interim, the remaining members of the POA executive will appoint a chairman pro tem who will lead the POA into a special general meeting for the purpose of electing a new executive in accordance with established conventions.

The High Command said it is concerned that reports of alleged indiscipline and misconduct by the Chairman may compromise the conduct of the POA, particularly at a time when the organisation is required to engage in highly technical salary and benefits negotiations with the Government.

It added that reports of the executive’s failure to meet to conduct the business of the POA, as well as to convene a general meeting over several years, have reinforced this position.

The High Command said it will provide support, where necessary, to facilitate a smooth and timely transition.

It said this action is deemed necessary to safeguard the interests of all gazetted officers.