Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang says the government is confident that the ongoing technological transformation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will result in increased efficiency.
He shared this while delivering the keynote address at the Passing Out Parade and Awards Ceremony for Batch 151 held at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine yesterday (January 31).
Minister Chang told the 191 new constables who have grown up in the digital age that “the ongoing technological transformation and expansion of the programmes that are to come on stream within the JCF are well suited to you”.
He further impressed upon the graduates that, as children of the digital age, they should continue to support the evolution of the JCF as an organised and structured institution.
The ceremony marks the first batch of graduates for 2024 as the government continues to aggressively recruit to strengthen police numbers.
In addressing the new constables, the Security Minister stated that as the JCF approaches full establishment level “we are now transitioning to a phase where we need to balance our ranks with more supervisors”.
“This year’s emphasis is on strengthening the officer and sub-officer corps to ensure effective leadership and mentorship within the police force, while we maintain the Jamaican character of the “Force for Good”,” he stated.
The JCF stands as one of the most advanced and modern police force in the northern hemisphere. The recent ISO 9001 certification validates this, making the JCF one of only a few police forces in this hemisphere to achieve such recognition.
Since 2016, the government has invested significantly in the human, physical and technological transformation of the JCF. With the expansion of the CCTV initiative under JamaicaEye, the technological upgrades to ticketing operations and the expansion of the JCF communication network – the Ministry of National Security remains committed to modernising the force through continued investment.
Last year one thousand and ninety (1090) new constables were welcomed to the force in keeping with the ongoing recruitment commitment established by the government. In addition, to further bolster the effectiveness of the police – over one hundred and forty-one (141) police stations and facilities have been renovated between 2018 and 2023.
Photos
View album in the Gallery →