Commissioner wants greater professionalism in JCF

In a move designed to improve the image of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake is pushing to project professionalism, public interaction, and proper conduct as key elements in the bid to reverse the negative perception many Jamaicans have of the force.

In his weekly address to the JCF via the Force Orders channel, Blake made it clear that in modern policing, which he strongly supports, professionalism is the cornerstone of trust and efficiency that is required to create a proper link between the police and those they are sworn to serve.

"It (professionalism) ensures that the principles of justice are upheld and manifested in every interaction, safeguarding the delicate balance between authority and civil liberties," the commissioner outlined. Blake said that the fundamental principle is not just about adhering to guidelines or following protocols, but more so about ensuring that every officer embodies the highest standards of conduct.

"The goal of achieving 75 per cent customer satisfaction (the global standard), while ambitious, illustrates a commitment to improvement, acknowledging that while absolute satisfaction may be unattainable, the pursuit of it must never waver," said Blake. "The target is 75 per cent because there will always be unsatisfied customers, even with our best effort. However, we must always strive to make even those who seem impossible to satisfy, satisfied."

Blake acknowledged that there are members of the JCF whose conduct, and behaviour are unsatisfactory, and he intimated that through effective leadership, they will be identified and the appropriate action taken against them.