Police Officers Renew Push for Risk Allowance After Years of Unanswered Calls
Police officers are renewing their call for a risk allowance, saying years of advocacy have gone unanswered despite the growing dangers they face while carrying out their duties.
Speaking on Observer Media, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Virlica Chatham said that officers have been seeking the introduction of a risk allowance since 2017, but no decision has been made to recognise the risks associated with policing.
According to Chatham, officers currently receive a duty allowance, which is meant to cover overtime, but there is no separate compensation for the hazards they encounter on the job.
“We feel as if we’re being treated like dogs,” Chatham said. “We are being treated like dogs.”
Her comments come amid renewed concerns following a series of violent incidents involving members of the Police Force, including recent cases where officers were targeted by gunfire.
“As recently as within a year, three of our officers were shot at,” she said. “One, as we all know, had his leg amputated. Another was saved by a cassie tree. And there is another who had his hand injured by gunshots. So that is just within a year, and there are so many more stories.”
The concerns have also surfaced following the recent injuries suffered by Senior Sergeant Jeffery Benjamin of Golden Grove, who was struck by a truck while walking along Valley Road on July 3.
Superintendent Frankie Thomas said Benjamin sustained injuries to his right leg and body after being hit by a Mack Truck driven by a 19-year-old man, who reportedly claimed the vehicle experienced brake failure. Benjamin was later admitted to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for treatment.
Chatham said such incidents highlight the dangers officers face daily and argued that greater attention must be given to their welfare.
“They do not have that interest in our well-being,” she said, while calling on authorities to consider the realities of police work when determining compensation and benefits.
The Police Welfare Association Chairman explained that concerns from rank-and-file officers are usually channelled through the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General rather than the Police Service Commission.
“So we don’t necessarily go to the Police Service Commission,” she said.
Chatham acknowledged that the Commission may not be fully aware of the extent of officers’ concerns but suggested that direct engagement could take place in the future.
“There’s a chance. We probably can speak with them. That’s too many people to go through,” she said, referring to the various layers involved in raising issues affecting officers.
The Police Welfare Association continues to press for the establishment of a risk allowance, arguing that the dangers faced by police officers require greater recognition and support.
Maybe the superiors will treat you better when you start working, you’re asking for risk benefits and better treatment but treat the job how you want it to treat you. what risks are you taking? The police is not willing to do nothing but sit at the guard desk or drive around in the police vehicles, and there’s never a vehicle at station to attend to reports
Is only who is in the fire knows about the heat. We always on the outside and assume the worst.
Sitting behind guard desk or not, is being at risk. Once a man or woman wears the black and blue, he or she automatically becomes a public enemy. In every job, there are those who performs to their best, and those who underperform. But that doesn’t mean everyone should be punished.
That is a real disappointment that a human who has taken the oath serving and protecting others isn’t able to get the same in return when they are most in need… injured while performing their duties wether on or off duty.