SSP Cameron granted $500,000 bail and taken off frontline duty after criminal charges in POA money probe

Chairman of the Police Officers Association, Senior Superintendent Wayne Cameron, has been removed from frontline duties and granted $500,000 bail after being charged over allegations of financial irregularities at the organisation.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Financial Investigations Division (FID) said Cameron was charged on Thursday with five counts of fraudulent conversion and six counts of larceny as a servant.

Cameron, who was relieved of his service weapon by detectives, was granted station bail in the sum of $500,000.

Cameron, who s being represented by attorneys-at-law Bert Samuels and Matthew Hyatt, is to go before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on February 12.

"The investigation, which spanned several months, examined matters concerning the management and application of funds under the control of the POA over a defined period," the JCF and FID said in a joint statement on Thursday.

Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson confirmed Wednesday that she had recommended the charges.

The JCF and FID said it would be inappropriate to comment further as the matter is now before the courts.

"The JCF and the FID regret that it was not possible to provide more detailed information earlier. However, transparency must always be balanced against the obligation not to prejudice investigations or judicial proceeding," the statement added.

While emphasising that Cameron “is entitled to the full presumption of innocence,” the agencies said he has been removed from frontline duty.

Investigators say the probe focused on the handling and use of funds under his leadership, including encashment of cheques. They further allege that the senior policeman breached established procedures in relation to certain financial transactions connected to the association.

The charges come amid an ongoing legal dispute between Cameron and Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake over a directive to remove him as POA chairman.

The move has been temporarily halted by the Supreme Court and is now the subject of an appeal.

The POA leadership conflict erupted on September 8, 2025 when Commissioner Blake directed that the POA chairmanship be vacated. In his sworn affidavit, he cited "glaring contradictions and irregularities" in the association’s unaudited accounts and a failure to hold an Annual General Meeting since 2022.

Blake argued the move was a managerial necessity to "safeguard the funds" contributed by over 350 senior officers and was not done out of spite.

However, Cameron’s is arguing that the commissioner exceeded his legal authority, by interfering in the internal governance of an incorporated body.

Cameron further alleged the move was an act of "political victimisation" and retaliation for a grievance he had previously filed with the Office of the Services Commissions regarding his promotion and transfer.

The POA represents over 350 senior officers, above the rank of inspector up to deputy commissioner, and is funded by salary deductions.

- Tanesha Mundle and Andre Williams contributed to this article.

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