169 new cops added to the JCF

A total of 169 new constables will be deployed shortly to strengthen the work of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) following their graduation from the National Police College of Jamaica (NPCJ) on Friday, September 7.

Of the total, 40 will be assigned to the St Catherine South Division, 25 to Kingston East, 19 to St Andrew South, 15 to St Andrew North, 14 to St Andrew Central, and 12 to Kingston Central, while one will be stationed at the NPCJ.

The remaining 43 constables will be assigned to the newly formed Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), which has primary responsibility for public safety in town centres and on major roadways.

PSTEB includes a roving motorcycle team to allow for rapid response in sufficient numbers; teams that concentrate primarily on breaches of public order that threaten citizen safety, such as vending outside of designated areas; and teams that focus on safety along the major thoroughfares.

Addressing the new constables at the passing-out parade and awards ceremony at the NPCJ in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang urged them to serve with professionalism and integrity.

"You have to be deliberate about serving and set a personal standard of excellence for yourselves. You are accountable first for your own actions. You have control over whether you act ethically, with integrity, and serve at the highest level," he said.

He further charged the new constables to work to forge solid partnerships towards building safer communities and a safer country.

"You will help to restore public order and safety in our country. You will be officers of integrity who will improve families, communities and the country," he pointed out, while imploring them to serve as positive role models for the youth.

Dr Chang noted that the graduates, during the seven-month training exercise, were exposed to real operational environments by way of their placement in the zones of special operation.

The graduation ceremony included the presentation of trophies for outstanding performance.

Constable Tina Lawrence was recognised for highest mark obtained, Constable Bejaun Jones for best all-round performance, Constable McConnie Dawkins for best marksmanship, and Constable Wynton Senior for best leadership qualities.