Curriculum change for cops
JCF revamps training model to address modern policing challenges
Published:Sunday | October 27, 2024 | 12:06 AMCorey Robinson - Senior Staff Reporter
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has undergone a significant transformation in its training curriculum for recruits, a change that reflects a growing recognition of the complex challenges posed by an evolving climate, both environmental and societal.
According to the JCF, the revamped curriculum is not just an upgrade; it’s a foundational shift aimed at addressing gaps from previous training models. The new programme, aligned with both local and international educational standards, focuses on transformational learning and the competencies necessary for modern policing.
In addition to general police training, the new curriculum will also serve as a precursor to the young officers obtaining an Associate of Science Degree or an Advanced Diploma in Law Enforcement and general policing, the Constabulary has noted.
Last month, the National Police College of Jamaica (NPCJ) became one of 34 police training academies to be awarded the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training accreditation. More than 300 academies exist worldwide.
Assistant Police Commissioner Merrick Watson, commandant at the NPCJ, said the new curriculum was designed based on the standards of the University Council of Jamaica, the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education, and global police training standards stipulated by the International Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
It was rolled out earlier this month, and is aimed at plugging certain gaps that existed in the educational template of former years, said Watson.
The focus is transformational learning
“The previous curriculum was built on the topic-centred training model. While it reflected three phases of training – initial, intermediate, and internship – it fostered a paramilitary and didactic delivery style that did not fully support experiential learning, deeper learning, and adult learning,” Watson said, noting that the focus is transformational learning and JCF capacity building.
“Three strategies were used to address these gaps. There was a revision of the curriculum to make it more job-task analysis and competency-based driven. It was aligned to global standards in police education and training, and, we also started training our instructors in andragogy, critical thinking, transformational learning, and law enforcement instructions and delivery.”
Watson declined to share specific aspects of the new curriculum, but he assured that it will ultimately be as beneficial for the public as it is for the recruits. Improved interaction with the citizens is paramount, he explained, addressing a major concern from human rights groups.
“The Jamaica Constabulary Force is receiving quality, targeted training that prepares our officers to be successful in their career, and in the community. The community benefits by being assured its officers have been trained to the highest levels with training that utilises model practices and standards and training that has been developed with community expectations and the mission of the JCF,” offered Watson.
Otarah Byfield-Nugent, CEO of the Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA), said the new curriculum must prioritise transparency, leadership and management principles, and effective community policing strategies.
Byfield-Nugent said that while the PCOA was aware of discussions about a revised curriculum, it was not directly involved in the exercise.
“Oversight encourages accountability which translates into improved policing processes, improved community-police relationships which ultimately generates an increase in trust and confidence in the police,” she charged. “I also believe critical subject matters for training should also include: records and station management, administering the Public Interaction Policy, Use of Force/Human Rights, Mechanics of Arrest, and some critical pieces of legislation associated with policing.”
Byfield-Nugent said common complaints brought to the PCOA involved unprofessional service issues relating to retrieving accident reports, records of statements, and report logs. She said the new lesson plan must include greater adherence to public interaction and records management, greater appreciation for community policing, information technology training, and reduced lethal force reliance.
Last week, members of the JCF came under heavy criticism from residents of Rockfort in St Andrew, following the killing of Jordan Green, who police had identified as a suspect in the murder of five people at a football/spelling competition hours before in the community. Police said Green was cut down in a shootout, while residents said his screams echoed through the community as he begged for his life before he was shot.
established protocols
Such incidents raising concerns about police conduct underscore the importance of body-worn cameras, according to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which facilitates training of cops based on the request of the training school. INDECOM said its lectures are focused on: power and authority, INDECOM’s investigative processes, and established protocols between the two entities.
“In training and sensitisation sessions, data is presented to allow officers to understand the scope of incidents reported to INDECOM and also the outcomes. ... It is hoped that the information presented will cause reflection and a changed mindset in interactions and actions,” offered Denyelle Anderson, senior public relations officer at INDECOM.
“At the core of INDECOM’s participation in training courses and other sensitisation sessions is to educate and engage with the members. The sessions are aimed at facilitating questions to provide clarity to the officers to ensure their accountability when interacting with INDECOM,” said Anderson, adding that the sessions sensitise cops to the importance of body-worn cameras and de-escalation alternatives.
Addressing graduates at a training school ceremony earlier this month, National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang said St James, Jamaica’s deadliest parish, has seen a 30 per cent reduction in murders and urged the new cops to take their place in a “force for good” aimed at further driving down the crime figures islandwide.
“We have had to build out the force and provide the tools required to take on organised criminal networks that are determined to disrupt the society, create disorder, and take the lives of our citizens,” said Chang. “This police force is committed to restoring public order and public safety, ensuring that such characters will not be allowed to continue taking the lives of innocent citizens.
“Your contribution as children of the Digital Age, both in terms of manpower and human resources, we welcome your ideas through your commanding officers on how you can further interact with your communities to ensure that we have a safe Jamaica,” he told the graduates. “Building trust and fostering relationships with the communities are critical to effective policing. You are not just enforcers of the law but members of the communities.”
In the meantime, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) Executive Director Mickel Jackson said the human rights lobby has been involved in the training of new police officers for at least 20 years; and that since this year, the entity has engaged close to 150 officers, in addition to 330 last year. This includes training some 30 trainers upon invitation by the National Police College of Jamaica.
“By assisting with training in human rights approach to policing, the JFJ is also creating an avenue for partnership building, which is a critical step in improving citizen relationship,” said Jackson, “While this training is not a panacea to police brutality and corruption, it is important to sensitise the good men and women about their duties, core principles and ethics, and how they have a role to play in ensuring colleagues uphold the law.”