Dear Editor,

The sequel of corruption, mistrust, and misuse of power continues unabated in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with the latest incident within the organisation of alleged rogue cops and the murder of civilians in Spanish Town sending shock waves nationwide.

Over the last two decades, these ‘defenders of the law’ have been grappling with an increasing crime rate, all the while still they have unwanted elements within their rank and file. But what will it take to finally reform the JCF? Who will it take? What will be the ultimate sacrifice? Are we finally at the endgame?

The reformation of any institution, especially in the public service, is an arduous task. The JCF operates as a multidimensional organisation with several tactical and administrative departments and units tasked with serving, protecting, and reassuring the Jamaican citizenry. Contrary to this manifesto, there are rogue elements operating within the JCF which makes it even harder to actualise true reformation.

However, it would be remiss of one not to mention the steps taken by successive governments and high command police personnel to curb the malfeasance within the force. Chief among the steps to reform the JCF is the passage of the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) Act 2018 to establish the organ into an elite law-enforcement investigative agency operating autonomously of the JCF.

The fact of the matter is the true ‘endgame’ in reforming the JCF doesn’t lie within newer legislation or policy, neither does it lie within banning an entire unit or section of the force. These are credible preventive and punitive tools that will correct would-be rogue elements in the force. However, true reformation lies within the organisation itself. Each member of that constabulary who swears an oath to the force must understand the gravity and higher moral obligation that they are held to in upholding law and order. The pride and honour of becoming a police officer must be immediately restored and emphasised on the very first day of training at Twickenham Park to the day of graduation.

It cannot be business as usual for those who recruit civilians to become members of the JCF. The mindset must be to improve our police force; whatever it takes to get to that endgame.

Russell Barrett

St James

russell.stnic@yahoo.com