Less than six months after his appointment, Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin yesterday tendered his resignation from the post.  Lewin's resignation, which took immediate effect, was conveyed to the Police Service Commission yesterday.  This comes amidst a rising murder count and calls for the government to do something to stem the tide.

Though refusing to comment on the issue, Lewin, in his letter of resignation, cited the fact that he had failed to perform and that he did not get the full support of the rank-and-file. 

It is expected that Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent will fill the post temporarily until the Commission names a new commissioner.

The government has been under increasing pressure from the opposition and the private sector organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) to do something about the runaway murder toll which sees figures of almost 700 killed in 2008 with May being particularly brutal with more than 190 people murdered.

Speaking at a Jamaica Labour Party Area Council One meeting in Pembroke Hall, St Andrew on Sunday, Prime Minister Bruce Golding said that some members of the force were not motivated to give of their best because they were dissatisfied with the leadership style of the new commissioner as well as some of his initiatives.

Lewin, the former Chief of Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), took over as commissioner in mid December following the departure of Lucius Thomas, a career policeman.