Executive director of the Integrity Commission (IC) Craig Beresford has revealed that persistent threats against the agency’s staff, including what he described as veiled threats on social media, have become so serious that the anti-corruption watchdog has been forced to increase its security spending and seek assistance from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Speaking Tuesday during a press conference to discuss the IC’s annual report, Beresford said the safety of employees has emerged as one of the body’s most pressing challenges, warning that the hostile environment in which staff operate is making it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain experienced personnel.

“I don’t know if the media follows social media as much as we do, but there are many comments, veiled threats against our staff, and I must say it’s not everyone has a stomach for it,” said Beresford.