KINGSTON, Jamaica —  Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) George Quallo has been appointed Commissioner of Police. His appointment takes effect on April 18.

Minister of National Security, Robert Montague, in making the announcement this afternoon, acknowledged the sterling contribution made by Novelette Grant who acted as Commissioner of Police following the resignation of Dr Carl Williams.

Montague also thanked the Police Service Commission and its members for the work done in the recruitment process to select the new police commissioner.

He also expressed appreciation to the people of Jamaica for their patience, and is encouraging the public to support to the new Commissioner.

Quallo enlisted in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on November 29, 1976.  He was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Police in December, 2010 and Deputy Commissioner in November, 2015.

Since January 2016, Quallo has served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police with responsibility for the Territorial Operations Portfolio.

Prior to this, he led various divisions in the Jamaica Constabulary Force including Area 4 between March 2012 and December 2015 during which there were three successive years of reduction in murders and major crimes.

In 2009, he led the rebuilding of the JCF armoury, implementing rigorous internal controls and strengthening accountability for firearms within the force.

Between 2002 and 2006 he restructured the Manchester Police Division, utilizing community policing principles as the major policing strategy resulting in a large reduction in all crime categories.

According to a release from the Ministry of National Security, Quallo has the demonstrated ability to lead the JCF at an important point of transformation, strengthening relationships with the other bodies that make up the island’s security architecture. 

He will be responsible for enhancing the security services to the country, improving public order, reducing corruption and improving accountability across the force.

The new Commissioner will also be tasked to implement a comprehensive succession planning process for the Directorate of Constabulary.