Jamaican police chief does u-turn on quit decision

Jamaica’s police chief has withdrawn his resignation and will remain leader of a department that faces corruption charges and a rise in killings.

Chief Hardley Lewin announced his decision today after meeting with government officials.

He had resigned the day before but did not say why.

He was hired in December to lead the estimated 8,000-member force and had previously had been commander of Jamaica’s army.

More than 700 killings have been reported this year in the island of 2.8 million people, with most of the violence blamed on drug gangs.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, during a speech today in parliament, said he would announce a new strategy by the end of the week.