POLICE Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake has reiterated the commitment of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to make the island safe for all Jamaicans and, by extension, visitors.

But Blake has accepted that it takes a special type of policing to operate in Jamaica’s tourist resorts.

“Tourists are not policed separately from citizens; rather, the very security ecosystem that nurtures local communities simultaneously creates a safe space for visitors.

“Our approach to policing this industry is to secure Jamaica and all who are in, and by default, those who visit our shores for leisure and relaxation will therefore be safe,” said Blake in his latest address to members of the JCF in the weekly Force Orders.

“Policing in tourism areas requires a delicate balance. Our presence must be visible yet welcoming, firm yet courteous,” added Blake as he emphasised that it is not merely about enforcing the law but about embodying Jamaica’s warmth, resilience, and dignity.

The police commissioner noted that over the years of Jamaica’s sojourn into nationhood, tourism has evolved into a national socio-economic lifeline, contributing significantly to the island’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employing hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans either directly or indirectly, it remains one of our economy’s most vital arteries.

“In a world increasingly shaped by perception and experience, the role of the police in safeguarding this sector is both strategic and indispensable,” said Blake.

He argued that members of the JCF must understand the nuances of the tourism ecosystem; a space in which economic vitality and cultural hospitality converge.

“It is not enough to simply enforce the law; we must also understand the broader social, economic, and cultural dynamics which represent the tourism ecosystem,” Blake reminded the men and women under his command.

He pointed out that in recognition of this complexity, the JCF is not standing still and has moved decisively to strengthen the professionalism and preparedness of personnel assigned to tourism hot spots.

According to Blake, the partnership forged between the Police Area 1 leadership and Sandals Corporate University stands as an important example of forward-thinking collaboration.

“It is for that reason why the leadership of Area 1, and the Sandals Corporate University developed a very comprehensive and most relevant course to achieve just that,” said Blake.

“Our collaboration with Sandals Corporate University and key stakeholders in the industry signifies the shared vision we hold. This is how modern policing evolves — not through insularity, but through partnership, education, and mutual respect,” added Blake.

The police chief said the Resort Area Division within the JCF’s Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) also deserves recognition as one of the “most focused guardians of our tourism product, which is among Jamaica’s most vital economic assets.

“Their work in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, and other critical hubs is about risk management, brand protection, and service excellence.”

In an era when a single negative experience can ignite a viral social media storm, Blake noted that, “Every visitor to Jamaica becomes a storyteller. A single negative experience can ripple across social media and affect our global image.” This underscores why tourism policing must be simultaneously tactical… with an acute awareness of perception management.

“Our presence in tourism areas is not only about crime prevention, it is also about protecting Jamaica’s reputation and ensuring that every story shared about our country is one of beauty, safety, and warmth.”

Blake, at the same time, underscored that beyond securing visitors, the push to ensure the safety of Jamaicans who live on the island as well as visitors is inseparable from the broader quest for national prosperity.

“Jamaica’s prosperity is intertwined with the safety of those who visit and those who call her home. In other words, the work of the police is central to the success of the tourism industry, just as the health of the tourism industry is critical to the national economy,” declared Blake.

“The work of protecting Jamaica’s tourism industry is not secondary to the force’s mission; it is central to it. And it demands the very best of our officers: their discipline, their intelligence, their empathy, and their professionalism. Jamaica’s global reputation and economic future are inextricably tied to how safe visitors feel and how they are treated,” added Blake.