JFJ says new police commissioner should publish his strategic priorities for the JCF

Human rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is calling for the incoming police commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake to publish his vision and strategic priorities for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) within 60 days of taking office.

Blake will take over on March 19, replacing Major General Antony Anderson whose contract expires on March 18. 

JFJ welcomed Blake's appointment in a media release on Friday, saying that he is, "from all indications, a man well-suited for this high office."

However, it noted that he has a challenging task ahead of him, particularly in reducing the high levels of crime.

JFJ said the transformation of the police force should be a top priority for Blake.

"Specifically, we would like to see a vision that replaces the existing paramilitary force paradigm with that of a modern police service. Accordingly, we encourage Dr. Blake to agitate for legislative reform of the Jamaica Constabulary Force; specifically, for the replacement of the current, antiquated legislation, The Constabulary Force Act (1935), with a new Police Service Act," JFJ said.

JFJ added that it hopes the new commissioner will be an advocate for improved working conditions and welfare of police personnel.

"A country should not have its rank and file litigating their way for well-deserved improved salaries," it said.

JFJ's executive director, Mickel Jackson, said Blake should redouble efforts in tackling gang violence and domestic disputes, which have been significant contributors to the crime rate in the country.

However, arguing that "all attempts in the past to police without being rights-focused have failed," Jackson said the redoubling of efforts must incorporate a commitment to policing within a human rights framework.

"JFJ encourages the new commissioner to emphasise to all officers in the JCF that they must respect the highest standards of fundamental human rights and the rule of law in discharging their duties since failing to do this will alienate the communities and people they seek to serve and protect. It is with that in mind that we emphasise the need for increased community-based policing for improved citizen and police relations to aid in crime-fighting," Jackson stated.

JFJ also the new commissioner to work to:

- Update the Books of Rules. This document was last comprehensively updated in 1939

-  Reform the disciplinary process within the JCF, ensuring it is timely, public and fair to all.

- Develop an effective and fair evaluation system for the force as a collective and individual police officers who are up for promotion, re-enlistment, or other process.

-  Implement a publicly stated and trackable accountability framework for miscreant officers.

- Implement widespread use of body-worn cameras and publish protocols on its use.

- Collate and publish all available JCF Force Orders which are not national secrets.

- Publicly commit to adhere to section 23 of the INDECOM Act where INDECOM's recommendations are complied with in the manner and the time specified, and the Commission informed of any disciplinary actions that have been implemented.

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