DSP Harris to depart as Old Harbour police chief

It is further understood that the veteran law enforcer, with 32 years of service in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), is tipped to head the St Andrew Central Police Division and promoted to the rank of superintendent.

In the summer of 2021 the former operations officer at the Kingston Eastern Division, took over the reins at Old Harbour from then DSP Damion Manderson, now commander in charge of the St Andrew South Police Division at the rank of superintendent. 

Under Harris’ leadership major crimes including murders have seen a decline in the subdivision which forms part of the St Catherine South Police Division. The year 2023 was a high point of his tenure when murders fell by 30 per cent and other major crimes by 40 percent. In general terms public order has been maintained under control as well. At the end of 2024, Old Harbour recorded 27 murders, the same as the previous year. The militant cop will receive a great deal of credit in bringing down those numbers which coincided with the elimination of some of the most feared violence producers operating in the space. Chief among them were Daniel ‘Fry Eye’ Farquharson, Julio Groves and Rasheed ‘Crime Pig’ Gallimore. Farquharson and Gallimore were fatally shot during confrontation with the police, while Groves was killed by unknown assailants.

The pending promotion of DSP Harris appears to be a common policy of the JCF to test those it regard to possess the leadership qualities for higher office. He faces a mammoth task ahead of him at St Andrew Central but the constabulary seems to have all the confidence that he will succeed. 

Meantime, it is also understood that the police high command has already identified the officer to replace DSP Harris, but Old Harbour News is yet to confirm who the successor will be.

Whoever comes in will have a massive task on their hands and will be judged by the accomplishment of Harris and the 101 men and women under his command.

When contacted by Old Harbour News DSP Harris said he will miss the resilience of the people of Old Harbour and the strong relationship forged with them.

“They have this never give up attitude; both the vendors, taxi drivers, and the people that want party permits,” with a wry smile the top cop said of the people from ‘The Town That Never Sleeps’. And despite all that has been said about the police, the residents have been generally respectful toward the police. The partnership between the police and residents during my time has been very good I would say.  

“But I must also salute the men and woman under my command for supporting me and I must say that the crop that I have is the best since I have been here.

“I must also acknowledge the support of my superior SSP Christopher Phillips, who is now the acting assistant commissioner for Area 5. Mr Phillips and I were reassigned to this division the same time. Everything that is required to ensure law and order within the Old Harbour space Mr Phillips supports me fully and as such he would have played an important role in whatsoever we achieved in the subdivision of Old Harbour.”

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With his new role comes greater responsibility, a fact the senior crime fighter is cognizant of. The St Andrew South Division is a dynamic area with significant commercial activity and complex policing demands.

“As a 29-year veteran before coming to Old Harbour I worked in the corporate area for all 29 years,” said DSP Harris. “Half-Way-Tree: I did two years there before so I understand the culture and the ground but I know that there is a lot of work that needs to be done, and I am committed to ensuring that my team and I get the job done.”