KINGSTON, Jamaica – Outgoing Police Commissioner, Major General Antony Anderson, says the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is in a solid position as an organisation and is on par with law enforcement around the world.

“We have onboarded technologies that make us as good as any force anywhere. We have onboarded quality systems so that we are one of very few forces anywhere that is ISO 9001 certified. It means we have decided to hold ourselves to a high standard.

“It means we do not have a challenge with persons external to us looking at what we do because we are confident that when they look, they’ll find quality in what they see,” he said.

Commissioner Anderson was addressing the Passing Out Parade for 148 new recruits of the JCF, held on Thursday at the National Police College of Jamaica in St Catherine.

He congratulated the newly-minted constables of Batch 152.

“Even as you sit there at the beginning of your career, it is an exciting time to join the JCF, ” he said, noting that the Force is welcoming persons with many different skill sets and talents, and changes have been made to improve service to the public and adapt to rapidly changing times.

Commissioner Anderson reminded the graduates that their main responsibility is to serve the people of Jamaica.

“Ultimately, the JCF is about the people. Our people are central to whatever we are, however we are seen, and whatever we’ve done. When we get the people part right then the quality systems and the technology make that much more of a difference,” he pointed out.

The Commissioner, who demits office on March 18, after six years as head of the JCF, said he is proud to have had the opportunity “to command this Force for good – this Jamaica Constabulary Force”.

“It is a great organisation. If there’s one thing I’ll take from here, it’s the relationships I managed to develop over my six years with the members and people here. They are a rare breed. It takes special people to put themselves in harm’s way so the rest of us are safe. It is a special vocation,” he added.

Commissioner Anderson further encouraged the graduates to maintain good conduct and urged continued love and support from their families and friends.

Valedictorians for the graduating batch, Constables Ramon McFarlane and Kadian Ashmead in a joint address expressed gratitude on behalf of the graduating class and encouraged their batchmates to do well in their service.

“The journey ahead will not always be easy, but we are confident that we have what it takes to make a positive and lasting impact. Let us go forth with pride, purpose and passion, knowing that we are truly making a difference, as we are properly equipped with the basic skills and knowledge of the job along with a high level of tolerance, endurance, fortitude, honesty, integrity, discipline, and fitness to efficiently and valiantly serve, protect and reassure the people of Jamaica, through our service in the Jamaica Constabulary Force,” they said.

-JIS