Today, March 19, 2024, Dr Kevin Blake steps to the crease as the new Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) commissioner of police.

He takes over from outgoing Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson, who leaves the crease after six years, having reduced murders by a marginal 8 per cent compared to 2022 (or 1,393 murders in 2023). Anderson’s innings included significant achievements, like modernising the technology, fostering community policing, and improving transparency. His strategic focus and investments in tech, like JamaicaEye, have made the job of bowlers coming after him a bit easier.

Despite Major General Anderson’s achievements, Jamaica continues to face a formidable opponent: a deeply ingrained culture of violence. The homicide rate of approximately 51 per 100,000 puts the country in the top tier of the world’s most murderous places. Gang violence remains a persistent thorn in the side of the JCF, a challenge that requires solutions beyond just policing tactics.

Anderson himself faced some tough deliveries. He battled limited resources, often having to make do with outdated equipment and insufficient personnel. While he made strides in transparency, public perception of corruption and misconduct lingered, a stubborn stain on the team’s jersey.

The JCF is a storied institution, and Blake becomes its 30th commissioner. Historically, some commissioners have had long, impactful careers, while others have struggled against the persistent challenges of crime and violence. Recent years have been particularly turbulent: Lucius Thomas (2005-2007) stepped down after only two years; Admiral Hardley Lewin (2007-2009) faced obstacles within the force itself; Owen Ellington (2010-2014) retired amidst controversy; and even the promising Dr Carl Williams (2014-2017) was unable to make significant headway. In contrast, some past commissioners, like the long-serving A E Kershaw (1904-1919), skilfully built partnerships and steadily reduced crime, while others were undone by corruption scandals or public distrust.

Dr Blake arrives at the crease with unique experience and determination. The Jamaican public, weary from the onslaught of crime, awaits his opening moves. Can Blake build a long, successful innings by reducing the score of violence and restoring a sense of order for the Jamaican people? The nation watches to see if he can face down the tough deliveries and become a long-standing champion for their safety.

Opening Strategy

Dr Blake faces a formidable bowling attack: a deeply ingrained culture of violence, a strained relationship with some communities, and a force in need of renewed spirit.

Yet he seems to understand that cricket is about more than brute force. His opening strategy appears to be one of finesse and partnership. Like a batsman studying the bowlers before taking guard, he appears to be assessing the opposition, seeking weaknesses to exploit.

His emphasis on collaboration hints at a strategy to build alliances not just within the JCF but with community stakeholders, perhaps even using reformed criminals as advisors to disrupt their old networks from within.

The Rebranding Delivery

Early in his innings Dr Blake should propose rebranding the JCF to the Jamaica Constabulary Service.

It doesn’t lessen the power a fast bowler needs to disrupt the opposition but softens the image and signals a change in tactics. He should emphasise that ‘Service’ aligns with his plan for community policing and citizen partnership. It’s a calculated risk: Will the public see this as a genuine shift or simply a change of jersey? Some seasoned spectators might remain cynical, recalling past captains who changed the team colours but this had little impact on the score.

The Trust Googly

Rebuilding trust should be Blake’s toughest challenge.

The Jamaican people have seen too many promising fielders drop catches: corruption scandals and misconduct eroding confidence. Blake needs a googly — a delivery that appears one way but spins the opposite. He must not just talk integrity, he must deliver it.

Swift, transparent investigations that hold all officers accountable will be essential to proving he won’t tolerate foul play within his team. He needs some early wickets — high-profile cases of corruption rooted out — to prove he means business and win the crowd’s cautious trust.

A Proactive Innings

Addressing violent crime will require a multi-pronged attack. He can’t rely solely on his fastest bowlers (reactionary force). Intelligence-led policing, technology, and partnerships are like spin bowlers and clever fielding, disrupting the flow of the opposition, making their runs harder to score.

The press conference is his chance to outline this game plan without giving away tactical field placements. He’ll need to build confidence that he understands the opposition’s strategy but remain strategically vague to preserve an element of surprise.

Playing the Long Game

While quick runs (early arrests, for example) might please the crowd initially, winning the match is more important. Just like a batsman chasing a six risks getting caught out, focusing only on immediate, high-profile victories could backfire.

Community policing, officer well-being, and modernisation are investments in the long-term health of his team. These are like strengthening the team’s training regimen, improving their equipment, and fostering a winning mindset. Community trust and motivated officers don’t make headlines, but they’re vital for sustainable wins against the crime plaguing Jamaica. They represent a strong fielding team, ready to catch criminals off guard, and inner resolve that prevents bowlers from getting into their heads.

Dr Blake needs to play a patient innings, focusing on steady progress rather than flashy but unsustainable victories. A captain who builds a strong foundation will ultimately outlast any opponent.

The Legacy Pitch

Dr Blake has entered a crease where many promising batters have faltered before. Can he defy the odds and build a legacy innings? His willingness to change the approach, invest in his players, and emphasise collaboration suggest a new kind of leadership. The fate of his tenure, like any great match, will come down to execution. Jamaica waits to see if he can deliver on his opening promises. Only time will tell if he scores a century or if the persistent challenges facing the JCF will bowl him out before he’s truly begun.

Today, Dr Blake steps onto a treacherous pitch. Violence, distrust, and limited resources are his opponents. But the stakes are higher than any game: the lives and well-being of the Jamaican people hang in the balance. His every move will be dissected under a harsh spotlight. Can he deliver the innings Jamaica desperately needs?

On behalf of the country we congratulate the new captain, Dr Kevin Blake, we wish him strength, wisdom, and a long, successful innings as he leads the JCF in this critical match against violence.

Dr Henry Lewis Jr is an associate professor at University of Technology, Jamaica, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He is also a social scientist and executive life coach. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or hjlewis@utech.edu.jm.