Police commissioner urges new JPs to guard their integrity

In one of the largest commissioning ceremonies in recent years, 148 new justices of the peace (JPs) were formally sworn in for the parish of St Andrew on Sunday.

The commissioning ceremony for the St Andrew Justices of the Peace, held at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College, marked by celebration, solemn oaths and strong calls for integrity. It drew more than 350 attendees, with family members erupting in applause as each candidate’s name was called.

Following the administration of oaths, each new JP received their writ of appointment and the newly designed official seal. The redesigned seal, introduced after a 2021 policy decision by the Ministry of Justice, now bears the word “Jamaica” instead of an individual parish name, symbolising that all justices of the peace now serve with jurisdiction across the island.

Delivering the keynote address, Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake charged the new JPs to guard their integrity as they assume what he described as a profound national responsibility.

“You are the human face of justice,” Blake said. “When a justice of the peace listens patiently, when a JP refuses a bribe, when a JP treats everyone equally, regardless of status or surname, that act strengthens the entire justice system,” Blake said.

He noted that Jamaica is experiencing measurable reductions in serious crimes, but cautioned against complacency.

“Crime reduction is a national effort,” the commissioner of police said. “Law enforcement can suppress crime, but only communities can sustain peace. Justices of the peace sit at that crucial intersection between the state and the citizen.”

The 148 newly commissioned JPs, ranging in age from 25 to 70 and almost evenly split between men and women. They join nearly 3,000 serving in St Andrew, and approximately 11,500 islandwide. The last commissioning ceremony for the parish was held on May 17 last year.

ETHICAL CONDUCT

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Delroy Chuck underscored the voluntary nature of the office and issued a firm reminder regarding ethical conduct.

“You must not accept cash or kind for services rendered,” Chuck said. “The confidence of the Jamaican people depends on your integrity, and the authority vested in a JP must be exercised without personal gain.”

Echoing the minister’s message, St Andrew Justices of the Peace Chairman Senior Superintendent of Police Norris Rhoomes noted that, “The public trust that underpins this institution is not automatic, nor is it permanent. It must be earned daily through conduct, sound judgement, and an unwavering commitment to fairness.”

Custos Rotulorum for St Andrew, Ian Forbes, described the office as one of Jamaica’s oldest and most respected voluntary institutions, and urged the new JPs to uphold its dignity

“The public trust that underpins this institution is not automatic, nor is it permanent. It must be earned daily through conduct, judgement, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and service,” Forbes said.

He reminded the appointees that they now serve as justices of the peace of Jamaica, reflecting the expanded national jurisdiction symbolised by the new seal.