NATIONAL Security Minister Robert Montague is calling for a strengthening of community policing activities by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

He said that too many police officers are “locking themselves away in the stations” and they need to go out into the communities to build relations with citizens.Such effort, he said, will encourage a certain level of trust which will make policing less challenging.“With all the modern technology, all the pre-owned cars (being bought), the drones, closed circuit television (CCTV), more police and better weapons, all of that will come to naught if we don’t engage the Jamaican public and take them into our confidence,” he said.The minister was addressing the Passing Out Parade and Awards Ceremony for the 147 new recruits of the JCF at the National Police College of Jamaica Training Wing, Harman Barracks in Kingston, on Friday.He told the graduates that they will be a critical part of the thrust in ensuring a lawful and well-ordered society where all Jamaicans feel safe and the country’s borders are protected.The minister noted that the ceremony marked the start of a proud and important career for the graduates, and praised them for completing “the most rigorous training with the utmost determination and dedication”.“You have demonstrated your physical prowess and talent in passing through the intensely competitive recruitment process and gruelling training programme,” he said.He reminded them that much is expected of them and they will be required to draw upon the training they have received in areas such as psychology, sociology, communication, ethics and conflict management, community-based policing, and human rights.“I appeal to you to maintain the highest standards of professional excellence, integrity and discipline in discharging your duties,” he said.In his remarks, Commissioner of Police George Quallo commended the new recruits for “choosing the most noble of vocations”.“Policing is a profession that will push you beyond your limits, but having gone through several arduous weeks of training, intense drills and preparations, you’ve proven to be physically, emotionally, psychologically, intellectually and spiritually capable of facing all the challenges that will come at you,” he said.He further urged them to serve with dignity and integrity, and to “never let the rigours of the job devalue the passion you have for it”.“Be confident and assured in your values and resolutely resist any temptation to swerve from pursuing only the highest standards,” Quallo said.Valedictorian Constable Delroy Heath charged his fellow graduates to be agents of change.“Let us be bold, stand firm in the face of adversity… let us make a difference in this noble organisation and by extension our country,” he said.“Batch 113 stands resolute to be effective, proactive, and professional police officers,” he declared.The graduates, who underwent seven months of intense training, were the first batch to be trained at that facility.