KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Police Federation (JPF) has expressed “shock and outrage” over what it says are comments made by Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is unprofessional and beyond repair.

The Federation, in a release this morning, said that Chang’s comments are infelicitous and paints the JCF in a very negative light, and as such, demanded an immediate retraction from the minister. ,p> It argued that Chang’s stance has further demoralised and demotivated the hardworking rank-and-file members of the Force, who have made, and continues to make, tremendous sacrifices for the citizens of Jamaica.

The Federation added that it is unfortunate that the minister in charge sees the police force as irreparable.

“It reflects poorly on successive government administration and the current Minister of National Security’s position appears to have influenced the nonchalant approach around the negotiation table,” JPF Chairman, Corporal Arleen McBean was quoted as saying.

According to McBean, successive administrations have failed to invest in the human capital of the JCF and for the security minister to state that the police force is the complete opposite to the first world Jamaica Defence Force gives the impression that members of the Constabulary are not valued and are incompetent.

McBean added that members of the JCF are being recruited by a number of police services across the Caribbean, arguing that this means the training that Jamaican police officers are exposed to is highly recognised and valued by Caribbean counterparts.