Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake on Thursday charged members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to strive for constant improvement in 2025 and to continue demonstrating to Jamaicans that the police are committed to serving them with distinction.

“Let this be a year when we recommit ourselves — body, mind and spirit — to the sacred task of policing with integrity, compassion and excellence,” Dr Blake said as he addressed the JCF’s Annual Commissioner’s Devotional Exercise on the lawns of the Police Commissioner’s Office in St Andrew.

Citing the theme for the exercise, ‘Transforming the present, securing the future’, the commissioner urged cops to continue building on the gains of the past year.

“Let this be manifested through better operations, stronger community relationships and personal and professional growth,” Blake said.

He said the theme also serves to remind the JCF that its mission for professional and spiritual transformation, at its core, demands a certain degree of faith, and requires them to believe that even in the most challenging circumstances, “with God’s help, we can build a better presence and secure a brighter future”.

Dr Blake also told JCF members to secure the future by committing to excellence in service and to “let every report, every case, every interaction reflect the highest standards of professionalism and care. Let us always remember that our actions today plant the seeds of tomorrow’s peace”.

“My… final charge to you, colleagues, is for us to walk in faith and unity upholding our promises to the Jamaican people. Let us partner with them, reassure them and demonstrate that the JCF is a force for good, an organisation of hope, strength and transformation,” he said.

He also told colleagues to aim to meet and even exceed expectations in 2025, guided by the principles of faith, courage and love.

“Together, with God as our guide, we will confront and overcome the forces that seek to harm our communities, transforming them into spaces of peace and prosperity,” he said.

“May this day mark a re-commitment to our shared mission, and a recommitment to each other, and to the people of Jamaica. Let us move forward together with strength, wisdom, and God’s enduring grace,” he added.

The commissioner further noted that resilience and unity, underpinned by faith, enabled the JCF in 2024 to rise above obstacles.

“We faced trials, but we stood firm, guided by our shared commitment to serve, protect and reassure,” he said, while imploring his colleagues to step boldly into this year with faith in God’s plans and confidence in their ability to fulfil their mission.

The devotional exercise, which was attended by the JCF high command, along with chaplain, Pastor Dr Gary Buddoo-Fletcher, other members of the JCF and special guests, saw the force kicking off the year with inspiration, reflection and renewed dedication to service.

The event came against the background of the police being praised for the 19 per cent decline in murders last year, compared to the year before.