by TIM SLINGER

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DARWIN DOTTIN is appealing to the Owen Arthur Government to urgently address the matter of improved salaries and conditions for police officers.

He told the SUNDAY SUN yesterday in an exclusive interview that any shortcomings would affect the high morale of his 1 200-odd force and eventually trigger under performance.

The police chief's comments came in the wake of recent media reports which indicated that about 30 officers were planning to leave the force for greener pastures in Bermuda, whose chief administrator is now in Barbados on a recruitment drive.

"I have to take it seriously and the Force has to plan for this eventuality," Dottin said, noting he was currently engaged in on-going discussions with his ministry (Attorney-General) on initiatives to address the problems.

At present, a new entry as a constable earns approximately $2 061 monthly compared to the lucrative Bermuda five-year contract which guarantees about $11 000 per month.

"Nobody expects Barbados to match these salaries, but there is certainly a case for improved pay and conditions," Dottin said.

Outlining the seriousness of the situation, the top cop said some of his officers were seeking alternative employment as court marshals, school attendance officers and other security positions across the island.

"For instance, a security guard at the airport starts at $2 500 monthly, which is more than the starting salary of a constable.

"I can say that if we are not careful, it can sap the morale of the force and it becomes more difficult as leaders to motivate officers to achive greater levels of performance," he added.

Dottin, who met with Bermuda's Police Commissioner George Jackson on Thursday, described talks with his counterpart as mutually beneficial. He referred particularly to reports that some members of the Special Services Unit which recently received specialised anti-terrorism training as part of preparations for Cricket World Cup 2007, were among those planning to quit the force for the overseas offer.

"I've noted the comments that people were leaving from that unit, but from our discussions those issues were taken into account as well," he said.

Dottin said the mounting crisis facing the Police Force was not peculiar to Barbados, but was being experienced by law enforcement agencies throughout the region.

"I must tell you that all commissioners around the region, even Jackson (Bermuda Police Force) even though his is relatively well off, he speaks about the bad conditions too and that his officers are worse off.

"He tells me that his buildings are bad and things like that," the police chief stated.

Dottin is expected to hold talks on the matter this week with the Police Association.

Please see also Pages 20A.