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And while the Compol has issues with the police association president - he still has to deal with complaints from the rank and file of the department - complaints which would normally be raised by the police association.  

Those have to do with the eight hour shifts for the city’s Southside - which many officers are still unhappy with - and the conditions that officers in the field have to work under.  These include the many checkpoints across the city where officers have to pitch under a vinyl tent. These tents are not durable enough to stand up to the elements over a long period of time - and some police officers are taking a pounding from rain and sun.  

Yesterday, we also asked Williams what’s going to be done about these less than optimal working conditions.

Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"Looking after personal welfare is important and that was one of the reasons why I was adamant about changing from the 12 to 8 hours because I understand the toll being out there for 12 hours straight has on the body of police officers. With the matter with the two police officers sleeping. I saw the photograph; it was sent to me. I don’t know why they were sleeping, I don’t want to condemn them at this time. I have asked that an investigation be conducted to see why is it that they were sleeping and after we have ascertained all those things then we will decide what course of action we will take. There are several things we are trying to do to enhance the services that police offer and to look for their welfare as well and cutting down with the hours of work was very important and that is one issue where I say sometimes the officers do not see you are doing good for them but in the longer run they will appreciate. We are looking at acquiring additional police booths for different areas to be able to ensure that the officers work in an environment that is conducive, especially in the heat we are experiencing in these days so that is an issue we are looking at as well."

Reporter
"And of course in cases like that if they do provide proof that they are sick then that is a different situation obviously."

Chester Williams
“Yes people do get sick, they are genuinely sick and we have to respect that. We have some officers that are genuinely sick and they are at work and sometimes we have to send them home, they are sick so we have a lot of good officers but we have a few that really and truly want to have their cake and eat it. We can’t allow those  officers to affect the work we do."