Sun | Sep 29, 2024

102 JCF members trained as tactical specialists

Published:Saturday | September 28, 2024 | 7:14 PM
Assistant Commissioner of Police Howard Chambers
Assistant Commissioner of Police Howard Chambers

One hundred and two men and women from the 19 policing divisions of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) completed the Specialised Operations Level 2 Tactical Course at the Specialised Tactical Academy in Kingston yesterday.

The intensive three-week course, which began on Sunday, September 8, aims to equip JCF members with the expertise needed to effectively manage hostile situations.

“These policemen and women left their families and became one unit with one goal: to learn as much as is physically necessary to alleviate crime and violence in their country. The lessons taught were invaluable and were delivered through lectures as well as practical and real-life experiences,” the JCF said.

The curriculum was comprehensive, covering 13 crucial topics: the Doctrine of Specialised Operations, Effective Communication, The Use of Force Policy, Weapons Handling, Multiple Patrols, Urban Patrol, Public Order, Intelligence Gathering, Field First Aid Assistance, Building Entry, Target Indicators, Vehicle Interdiction, and Conducting Vehicle and People Checkpoints.

“In addition to mastering these subjects, the trainees received substantial training in operational activities, gained extensive range exposure, and underwent a rigorous twelve-mile march from Irish Town to Catherine’s Peak to test their endurance,” the constabulary said.

‘RIGOROUS TRAINING’

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Howard Chambers, the Commanding Officer in charge of Specialised Operations, congratulated the team for enduring what he termed “rigorous training”, which challenged them both physically and mentally.

“After these 21 days of training, you are not only equipped to handle matters that affect this country, but also those that affect the world,” he stated.

ACP Calvin Allen, Head of Police Area 3, also addressed the group, urging them to value their training.

“I urge you not to take your training for granted. The JCF is transforming, and as such, we must be equipped to effectively deal with the ever-evolving criminal network. Use this training for your personal safety and the safety of our country,” he emphasised.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Romario Reid, Training Officer, provided an overview of the course, highlighting the members’ progress and extending special thanks to both internal and external facilitators, including specialists from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), who contributed valuable field experience.

The trainees were reminded of the transformational journey underway within the JCF and the organisation’s mandate of “People, Quality, and Technology”. They were encouraged to continue engaging with these training exercises to embody the “quality” that will drive change.

The JCF said the re-sensitisation of these 102 police personnel aligns with the operational policing mandate to manage hostile situations with trained tactical proficiency.

editorial@gleanerjm.com