This month, the Ministry of National Security will begin a strategic review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The review, slated to come to an end in May 2008, forms part of a plan to improve the operations of the nation's police force.

Speaking at a press conference recently to launch the review, Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips pointed out that the analysis was in keeping with the recommendation of the National Security Policy, which also recommended an evaluation of the Jamaica Defence Force and the judicial system, a process which has already been completed.

"The JCF, in many ways, needs to reform itself in order to keep pace with new technologies, keep abreast of new approaches to policing and new challenges in a national and international environment," Dr. Phillips reasoned.

Identified challenges

The public has identified a number of challenges within the force, he informed, including complaints of abuse of power, corruption, training, transparency in the administration and as such, "we think the organisation can benefit tremendously from having this review by persons who have experience in management, policing, the public sector, as well as persons who have had experience in the JCF itself."

According to Minister Phillips, the terms of reference for the panel include a review of the legislative framework for the JCF and its auxiliaries, including a full assessment of the police service regulations and the book of rules, an evaluation of the effectiveness and relevance of current policing strategies and operational procedures, human rights issues and the use of force policy.

The minister explained that in performing its duties, the committee would be able to conduct consultations with key stakeholders within the JCF, the general population and the Opposition. "The committee is free to speak with anyone and everyone they might consider it necessary to consult with," Dr. Phillips said.