Horace Chang | JCF’s transformation: evolution of a ‘force for good’

Upon assuming office in 2016, the Andrew Holness administration set out to transform the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) into one of the finest lawenforcement agencies in the Western Hemisphere. From the outset, our mission has been to equip the JCF with the capacity to fulfil its critical mandate in this technological age, which is to ensure peace, public order, public safety, and security for the people of Jamaica.

This transformation demanded political resolve, meticulous planning, strategic investments, and above all, patience and fortitude. We deliberately resisted the allure of short-term, “quick-fix” operations, choosing instead a structured and sustainable evolution of the Force – one that would yield lasting and meaningful improvements.

MODERNISING THE ORGANISATION

A cornerstone of this transformation has been human resource development. There were expanded recruitment efforts and increased training through additional facilities even in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. New training courses and certification programmes were introduced, along with merit-based pathways to facilitate career growth and professional development within the Force.

Additionally, it was ensured that officers were equipped with the necessary physical resources, including cutting-edge tools and equipment, modernised communication systems, improved mobility, and purpose-built facilities to maximise operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Institutional reforms were also central to this modernisation. A number of structural changes were implemented, and a new uniform was introduced, specifically designed for Jamaica’s conditions and optimised to accommodate essential police accoutrements such as body cameras and less-lethal equipment. These advancements were initially spearheaded under the leadership of former Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson, who was appointed in 2018. His tenure laid the foundation for continued progress, and under the leadership of Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, who emerged as the natural successor, the transformation agenda continues to move forward seamlessly, following one of the smoothest transitions in the Force’s recent history.

KEY OPERATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

Over the past year, the Police High Command has introduced several significant initiatives, which include:

• The establishment of Area Fugitive Apprehension Teams.

• The establishment and expansion of the Beat Officer Patrol Division.

• The establishment of the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division.

• The expansion of Operational Support and Quick Response Teams.

• The reorganisation of Highway Patrol and Corporate Communications formations.

• The expansion in the scope of the Force’s ISO 9001 certification to ensure continuous improvement.

• The deployment of focused operational strategies such as the strategic use of curfews and proximity/hotspot policing, which are made possible due to the increased numbers in the JCF’s workforce.

ENHANCING WELFARE AND LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT

In addition to operational advancements, we have significantly improved officers’ conditions of service. While we do not claim to have made police officers rich, there has been restructure of their salaries to place less reliance on allowances. This shift ensures that upon retirement, officers receive more sustainable and reasonable pensions – an achievement made possible through the Government’s Compensation Review. And although the legislative process can be inherently slow, we have successfully introduced critical frameworks that strengthen law enforcement and shift the risk-reward balance against criminal activity. These measures have provided the police with additional tools to combat crime more effectively.

FORCE THAT IS DELIVERING

Today, we have a larger, better-trained police force with improved institutional frameworks for promotions and other management issues. The men and women of the JCF are delivering on their mandate. This is exactly what we said would have happened. Through strategic reorganisation under Jamaican leadership, the force now possesses a deep understanding of the criminal landscape and they are getting the job done.

The police have been equipped with the necessary tools to combat crime, and they continue to demonstrate remarkable talent and dedication in executing their duties. Thanks to the investments, the JCF has reached a standard that the entire country can take great pride in.

COMMITMENT TO ACCOUNTABILITY

We recognise that, despite our best efforts, individual cases may occasionally deviate from established standards. Given the JCF’s vast size, such instances are not unexpected. However, we remain vigilant in addressing them. Where the public encounters conduct that appears abusive, unprofessional, or inappropriate, we encourage them to report it to the Commissioner’s Office or the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB).

Bear in mind that IPROB has been strengthened, which has codified and published new ethical and professional standards for the entire Force. This ensures greater transparency and empowers the public to play a role in police oversight and monitoring.

This police force does not shy away from public scrutiny, as our officers are well-trained and fully committed to their mission, which is to serve, protect and reassure. We are confident that when deviations occur, the JCF has the necessary internal institutional capacity to address them effectively and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

PROUD ACHIEVEMENT

As a country, we have made remarkable strides, and we can all take pride in the transformation of the JCF. The investments in the force have yielded substantial results, with the JCF now performing at its highest level in years. Notably, this transformation has been driven entirely by Jamaican personnel, which is a powerful testament to our nation’s talent, capability, and resilience.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast: to further strengthen the JCF, a “force for good’ and ensure that Jamaica continues to be a safer and more peaceful place for all its citizens

- Dr. Horace Chang is Jamaica’s deputy prime minister and minister of national security. He is member of parliament for North West St James and a medical doctor by profession. Send feedback to securityminister@mns.gov.jm