“The vision of the Government is to ensure that your generation of police officers will not encounter the underfunded Force of the past.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang made this point while delivering the keynote address at the Passing Out Parade and Awards Ceremony for Batch 154 held at the National Police College of Jamaica in St. Catherine yesterday (August 28).
He emphasised that “lack of real time communication, primitive record keeping and unreliable police vehicles are no-longer the primary complaints among today’s police officers”.
The policy of the Government to strengthen and transform the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) remains driven by the clear recognition that a robust, effective police force is a critical pillar for economic and social transformation.
With continued investments, police officers will be better equipped to fulfil the critical role that the JCF plays in ensuring national development and the transformation of every community across Jamaica.
The Security Minister emphasised that the Jamaica Constabulary Force will develop officers who are guardians of communities guaranteeing the safety of all citizens.
Minister Chang told the 130 new constables “you will ensure that citizens feel safe attending the prayer meetings at nights, participating in and enjoying sporting and cultural activities in their communities, such as the football matches, the dances, and round-robins without the threat of violence”.
The Ministry of National Security continues to fortify the numbers of the Force as part of its investment and transformative vision.
Minister Chang noted that over the last six years, through steady and strategic investments, the JCF has seen a remarkable shift in mobility, infrastructure and technological development.
With this shift, the JCF has also seen an improvement in the calibre of officers joining the Force within the same period.
He highlighted that “some of the brightest minds are choosing the JCF, not as a last resort, but as their first career option driven by a genuine desire to restore and maintain public safety and good order in our society”.
Over six hundred new constables have been welcomed into the Jamaica Constabulary Force since the start of 2024.
Photos
View album in the Gallery →