After consultation with his wife and on the strength of his self professed “haters”, Police Commissioner Gary Griffith will seek a second term in office when his contract expires in August. 

“It’s been a very tough three years…Some of the haters actually mobilized and used a lasting smear campaign, which was very unfortunate. Many people would say, in a situation like this, ‘enough is enough’. To those haters, if that was your plan, yes, you have been a very big avenue to help me make this decision,” Griffith said as he made the announcement as a press briefing on Tuesday.

“Thankfully there have been 80% of the population who have supported me, I wish to thank you. To the other 20%…some of them did not want change, because some people benefit from chaos,” he added. 

“Because there has to be some good reason why you hate the police service so much- and why you  hate Gary Griffith and the Police Service so much, and it’s not for the benefit of the country,” Griffith said.

Commissioner Griffith’s stint as Top Cop officially expires on August 17th, 2021, after which the Police Service Commission will have to deliberate and either reappoint him, or select an alternative choice.

“We have had social media experts for the last three years. This is your chance. Very soon there would be new application form for Commissioner of Police. I ask you to apply. For three years you’ve been telling me what I should and should not do. Let’s see if you’re better qualified, better experienced, better trained. Go ahead and apply and see what it feels to be second place”, Griffith challenged.

On June 17, Government announced by way of a statutory instrument, a change to the process of selecting a police commissioner by removing the mandate to advertise the post internationally.

The proposed changes have not yet been approved by the House of Representatives and the Police ServiceCommission cannot act until they are approved.

“We have had social media experts for the last three years. This is your chance. Very soon there would be new application form for Commissioner of Police. I ask you to apply. For three years you’ve been telling me what I should and should not do. Let’s see if you’re better qualified, better experienced, better trained. Go ahead and apply and see what it feels to be second place”, Griffith challenged.