While there is increased collaboration between the police and the private sector, all organisations involved in the criminal justice system must begin to work more effectively and begin to communicate to have a common philosophy to deal with criminal enterprises, states Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.
nd He made the statement while delivering the keynote address at the 22 staging of the LASCO Chin Foundation/Jamaica Constabulary Force ‘Saluting our Heroes’ Awards Ceremony, held at the AC Marriott Hotel on Friday, October 20.
The Security Minister noted that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is facing many challenges even as police personnel continue demonstrating a level of professionalism in fighting the criminal elements in the society, describing them as heroes.
“Despite what may be said otherwise, our police members are all heroes and should be treated as such,” the Minister said.
The Minister further stated that while the JCF continues to transform under the increased investment from the government in technology and human resources, police personnel are increasingly demonstrating their professionalism. He noted that to successfully combat criminals, the philosophy between the police, the prosecutors and the court system must be in greater synergy.
“We are celebrating the bravery of our police personnel who are heroes in their own right despite the negative stigma that some people have attached to them. These officers have given their unwavering commitment to the community they serve, their empathy and their willingness to go the extra mile to make our neighbourhoods safer and more secure,” the Security Minister said.
Minister Chang said that police officers “are more than just enforcers of the law” but are pillars of strength in the communities where many are counsellors, advisors and protectors of human rights.
Minister Chang also took the opportunity to pay homage to the late Lascelles Chin, founder of the LASCO Group of Companies and brainchild for the LASCO Police Awards, stating that his commitment paved the way for over two decades of this excellent show of appreciation for the island’s police officers.
“We stand on the foundation which Lasco Chin laid, understanding that observing excellence is not about recognising achievement but is about respecting a culture of continuous improvement,” he said.
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