And what about his predecessor, Gerald Westby. Westby is being sent home before his retirement by an administration that has grown impatient with spiralling crime. It’s hard to see how a change of command can meaningfully impact the war in the streets, but Westby seemed hardly offended. In leaving he was gracious, and the man who’d never been brought up on a single disciplinary charge, told us how being a nice guy made a professional difference.
Gerald Westby, Former Commissioner of Police
“It is not a sad occasion. I have served the department for 34 long arduous years and throughout that 34 years I have never been placed on a disciplinary charge, I dare anybody to beat that record. I will be leaving without having been placed on a disciplinary charge so I am happy today that I am leaving. Throughout my tenure in the police like what Mr. Whylie said, I came from very humble beginnings. I don’t want to tell you that I used to sell panades because next thing unu call me panades Commissioner because unu like find name fi people. But I used to work very hard and I am very proud to have gone through the entire rank, from a constable, I did not skip a rank.”
Crispin Jeffries,
“At the time Mr. Westby took over, the department was demoralized. A number of persons were frustrated and there was the carrots on the stick with a lot of people getting the carrots and getting licked with the sticks. I don’t think I need to take off my shirt, I took a beating. I say good day to you Gerald Westby and not goodbye. As you indicated earlier, they’ll have to pay you for information when you’re home. I will bring a bottle of whisky. I will be in contact with you and I’ll always rely on your opinions.”
Jules Vasquez,
How much will you miss this job or will you miss it all?
Gerald Westby,
“Well Jules there is always a saying: once a cop, always a cop. Certainly after serving 34 years it is ingrained in you but I am happy to say that I have done 34 years. I have served 4 years as Commissioner and today clearly demonstrates that I am not leaving with any bitterness. I am happy to see the Police Department move.”
Jules Vasquez,
Do you feel Mr. Westby that you were pushed out or that you were being blamed for things that really aren’t your fault, that are systemic in society that no Commissioner with an average amount of resources can fix those in any immediate fashion?
Gerald Westby,
“Well Jules like what I said I only had a year more to go and going a year ahead of time, I honestly don’t feel anyway about it.”
Jeffries and his new senior command are scheduled to have a press briefing on Monday.
