BY SIMONE MORGAN-LINDO
Observer reporter
SEVERAL Corporate Area police officers are currently under investigation and may face disciplinary actions for their participation in Alkaline’s music video After All.
The video — directed by Jay Will (Jason Williams) — recently caught the attention of high-ranking police officials due to its lewd and gun-toting scenes. It was released on May 18.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer yesterday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Clifford Blake said there are two parallel investigations being done by senior members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). He further stated that none of the officers involved have been removed from front-line duties.
“We are doing an administrative investigation, as well as another one, which will determine whether the guns used in the video are authentic or props,” he said.
The investigations are being headed by DCP Blake and Assistant Commission of Police Ealan Powell, respectively.
The probe was ordered by Commissioner of Police George Quallo following the negative way the police were portrayed in the video and the backlash by ordinary citizens.
“It is a policy that police officers must seek permission to use government materials outside of the force and, from my understanding, no permission was given to these officers,” Blake told the Observer.
The video had a number of guns, a marked police vehicle, as well as an actress wearing what appears to be a police uniform.
It is unclear as to the type of punishment that will be administered to the members of JCF if they are found guilty.
“We are following our internal procedures. I cannot speak to suspensions as we will have to wait on due process. Once the investigation is completed, if they are found guilty, then the decision will lie with the Commissioner of Police as to what sanctions will be applied,” said DCP Blake.
Earlier this week, Alkaline — whose real name is Earlan Bartlett — and his management team apologized for the controversial video. Director Jay Will has also issued an apology.
Meanwhile, another music video entitled Infrared by Vybz Kartel and Masicka is also under the police microscope. It is also the subject of an investigation launched by the Firearms Licensing Authority.
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