‘Proof in pudding’

FORMER DEPUTY commissioner of police Mark Shields has hailed the appointment of Dr Kevin Blake as the new commissioner of police, noting that his background in technology and his deep understanding of how information technology can revolutionise policing will undoubtedly benefit the organisation.

At a post-Cabinet press conference yesterday, National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang confirmed that Blake will be the next commissioner and will succeed Major General Antony Anderson on March 19.

Asked to comment on the senior cop’s elevation to the top job in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Shields said that in an era where technology plays an increasingly vital role in law enforcement, Blake’s insights will be invaluable in enhancing the force’s capabilities in combating crime and disorder.

Shields, a security consultant, said that addressing the high rates of murders and firearm offences in Jamaica requires strong leadership and decisive action.

“With his leadership skills and professional experience, Dr Blake is well-equipped to build upon the commendable work of his predecessor, Major General Antony Anderson, and lead the JCF towards even greater effectiveness and efficiency,” he said.

“Having known him since my appointment as deputy commissioner in 2004, I can attest to Dr Blake’s outstanding qualities as a bright and professional police officer. Our collaboration, including joint efforts to combat firearms trafficking during trips to the United States, showcased his capacity for original thought and strategic planning,” Shields added.

Security expert Robert Finzi-Smith said the country should not expect “overnight miracles” with the appointment of the new commissioner. He told The Gleaner that Blake’s learning curve as top cop was not steep, having worked in a senior position in the JCF for many years.

President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Metry Seaga said that Blake should stay on the programme that his predecessor was pursuing, noting that Anderson did the hard work, and the country was now beginning to reap some of the benefits, with major crimes down by 17 per cent year-on-year.

“I welcome Dr Blake. I believe he is a great person, and I wish him all the best and offer the PSOJ’s full support for his tenure as commissioner.”

Former commissioner of police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin said that Blake is an experienced cop who has his priorities that he will pursue. Lewin said the new commissioner deserves the full support of all ranks of the JCF and the public.

Shadow minister on citizen security and productivity Senator Peter Bunting congratulated Blake on his appointment, saying that he would not second-guess the decision of the Police Service Commission, which made the selection from the slate of deputy commissioners.

“However, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating, and we will be carefully observing his performance in the new role,” Bunting said in a news release.

The opposition spokesman reminded Blake that the JCF Act gives sole operational superintendence of the force to the commissioner, while policy is the purview of the minister and the Cabinet, and in some cases, such as the extension of a state of emergency, the Parliament.

“We, therefore, caution him not to involve the JCF in public advocacy for matters that the Constitution reserves for Parliament and on which there is no political consensus.”

Bunting noted that as the country approaches an election season, “we also remind the commissioner that it is especially important that the JCF be seen as an impartial and professional force whose operations should support the democratic process rather than one party or another’s interests”.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com

Who is Dr Kevin Blake?

Born in Kingston. Spent significant portion of his early life in Olympic Gardens, St Andrew, and later moved to Portmore, St Catherine.

Education: Charlemont High School in St Catherine; PhD (high commendation) in sustainable development, a master of science in computer-based management information systems, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics, all obtained at The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Career: Worked with National Commercial Bank. Worked with Decision Support System, a software development company; Joined the JCF on a special-entry programme as an assistant superintendent and rose to assistant commissioner of police in 2013.

Former head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, National Intelligence Bureau, Area 3 Police.

Promoted to DCP in June 2020.

Blake entered the force in 2002.