The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) continues to distinguish itself as a regional leader in law enforcement, with thirty police officers successfully completing the Integrated Research Methods Course at the University of the West Indies, Mona.
The milestone achievement reflects the government’s commitment to building a modern, capable and knowledge-driven security force. The course, designed to strengthen analytical capacity and evidence-based policing, equips officers with advanced skills to address complex challenges in crime prevention and public safety.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, lauded the graduates for their dedication and emphasized the broader significance of their accomplishment.
“The Jamaica Constabulary Force is not only meeting the demands of modern policing but is setting the standard for the region. This graduation demonstrates our investment in research, training and professional development as pillars of a stronger more resilient security infrastructure,” Minister Chang declared.
He noted that as an organisation, the JCF must be able to evaluate the initiatives when implemented. He reasoned that when something is working, the JCF must identify how to scale it and conversely, pull back, reassess and improve interventions which do not produce the desired outcomes.
He stated that the JCF’s growing reputation as a regional powerhouse stems from its ability to integrate technology, research and community engagement into daily police operations.
“That is the heart of evidence-based policing and is why the capacity to apply both qualitative and quantitative research methods is no longer optional. It is essential,” the security minister said.
The JCF is obligated to undertake a number of surveys to gauge satisfaction levels of the Force’s service delivery. To do this effectively, the Force needs members who can gather reliable data, ask the right questions, analyse findings critically and produce valid conclusions.
“That is what this course was designed to strengthen. It means measuring trust. It means assessing service quality. It means identifying weaknesses before they become failures. In addition, it means ensuring that the citizen remains at the centre of policing philosophy. This signals a new direction in the force, a new character of the JCF and will help set the character of this force for the future,” Minister Chang said.
As the graduates leave with a Certificate in Integrated Research Methods, the security minister encouraged them to be proud of the achievement. He stated that the course, undertaken by the officers, is yet another important thrust under the wider transformation programme of the Force.
“It reflects our commitment to certification and accreditation. It underscores our focus on operating at international standards and adopting global best practices as critical pillars of reform,” Dr. Chang said.
He added that sustainable crime reduction requires more than operations; it requires institutions, standards, professionalism and it requires people who are trained to think critically and act strategically.
“That is why your certification today matters,” the minister said, “it is part of the larger mission to strengthen our ability not only to reduce crime but to deliver what I often describe as the true objective of national security, the peace dividend for the people of Jamaica.”
He implored the graduates not to allow the certificates to remain framed on a wall but to let them come alive in their daily work to influence decisions and further help transform the JCF, to one that is worthy of the trust and confidence of every Jamaican.
Photos
View album in the Gallery →