JUSTICE FOR ALL

THE JAMAICA Constabulary Force’s (JCF) 14,094-strong members will today embark under the leadership of Dr Kevin Blake at the helm, boasting among them new and existing constables with degrees in forensic science, forensic chemistry and law.

The man of the moment, Dr Blake, thanked his predecessor Major General Antony Anderson, who he wasted no time in referencing as his “former boss”, and said as a career policeman, he was delighted to become commissioner and chief constable for all Jamaicans.

“I’m prepared and I’m ready to bring the best of my intellect, my training, my personal discipline and emotional intelligence to lead this JCF to be the next best edition of itself,” Dr Blake said, offering appreciation to Anderson whom he said often reminds him of the weight of the office and what it requires.

He said within six years, Anderson catapulted the JCF and made an indelible mark, launching the organisation into an era of unprecedented and irreversible modernisation and transformation.

“Jamaica deserves a police force that is responsive, of course one that is modernised and on par with the best law enforcement agencies in the world. Jamaica wants justice and for many Jamaicans justice often starts with interaction on any given day with the police,” Dr Blake said.

He placed emphasis on the brightest and the best to join their numbers.

A former deputy commissioner in charge of the force development and logistics portfolio (FDLP), Dr Blake said that in his new role, under his watch, unprecedented programmes will be launched to win the hearts and minds of communities across Jamaica to restore the JCF as the rightful legal guardian of Jamaica, providing trusted and reliable security services.

He said he needs the media to help spread insightful information and stands ready to engage the media entities.

Major Anderson, during the Change of Command ceremony at the Office of the Commissioner last evening, passed the baton to Dr Blake who holds a PhD in sustainable development, a master of science in computer-based management information system, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from The University of the West Indies, Mona.

KEY INDICATORS

He said the smarts of young and seasoned police within the JCF are indicative of the transformation process and changes that have been one of the key indicators of his stewardship.

“When you are getting this raw talent to build on that is your start point and base point for the future of the JCF, I have no doubt that we will grow from strength to strength as an organisation,” Anderson said of intellect from constable to commish, adding that the force is poised to be the premier for the region.

He said a start with raw material of constables holding degrees can create a framework where those coming in can be taken from what they know, step by step through a process to become great police officers.

“We had four people who credibly can run the JCF… (that’s) a good place to be when you’re looking to change command,” Major General Anderson said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, said the new commissioner could have come from any of the four deputy commissioners who were interviewed for the job, echoing sentiments expressed earlier by Major Anderson that efforts were made for the new top cop to come from within the force.

Dr Chang said people with whom he engaged now speak differently of the JCF.

“What we see is indeed a transformation in elements throughout the force, outside the physical and technology elements… part of that is why we looked at all four deputy commissioners and the Services Commission has identified Dr Kevin Blake, a young member of the force as the person to ascend to the commissioner’s office at this point in time,” Dr Chang said.

“It is not a reflection of the weakness of the others but maybe a reflection of how the Services Commission views the force as it is today.”

Dr Chang said the Government accepts the recommendation and understands that they still have a way to go and has every confidence that Dr Blake and the team around him can impact the criminal networks and gangs that operate in society, while reducing the impact of transnational criminal organisations.

According to Dr Chang, the force has young bright minds coming on stream and said that Dr Blake has all the intellectual and police background to continue the transformation process to improve public order and safety.

He said security is one of the pillars for national development.