MONTEGO BAY, St James — Retired members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who attended the opening day of the western leg of the JCF’s Transformation Expo 2.0 expressed their admiration for the modern, cutting-edge technology now available within the force.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer following the opening ceremony at Montego Bay Community College Thursday evening, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Enel Brydson gave the event high marks for the technological advancements on display.

“Excellent! We are moving to the 21st century. We are moving to the age of technology, so it’s very good. Very good display. Considering where we are coming from it’s very good. I think the public on a whole should be more convinced that their safety is now assured, and they are doing their part,” Brydson said.

Equally impressed was the vice-president of Jamaica Constabulary Past Officers Association, retired Superintendent of Police John Morris, who noted that cops are now at a greater advantage with the availability of improved technology.

“It is evident that technology enhances what one does. It was not available so it might very well would have helped [us] much more [back then]. I am excited,” Morris said.

Retired Inspector Clive Brown expressed similar sentiments.

“I certainly feel good. The force is at its best. We had the knowledge, we had the skill, therefore we would have reaped similar success if the technology was available to us,” Brown told the Observer.

For his part, an elated retired Police Corporal Paul Stevens argued that future generations stand to benefit from the transformation of the JCF.

“The force has been transformed and I believe it is in good hands. My great, great, greats will benefit from the development of what I saw today. Beautiful! I would grade the expo 9.5 out of 10,” he said.

Retired ACP Brydson shared his thoughts on how a well-equipped, modern police force should give the public peace of mind.

“One thing I know from experience, and this will enhance it, is that the visibility of uniformed people in public places gives that type of assurance. Criminals want an opportunity and when the police are visible in public places they don’t have that type of opportunity so they will think twice,” he said.

Brydson, who commended the JCF for the recent significant reduction in crime, said once provided with the required tools the police will get the job done.

“With the added technology that is given to them they can only go forward. There is no stopping them. We have the capability and with the type of people who are joining now, Jamaica is in good hands,” he said.

“The numerical trend and where the force is now, that is what the force requires. All we need now is for it to be sustained. And the deputy prime minister, [National Security Minister Horace Chang] alluded to it that he will sustain it,” Brydson added.

Speaking during the opening ceremony at the Kingston leg of the exposition, Dr Chang committed to sustain the momentum of the JCF’s transformation.

“Ladies and gentlemen, transformation is not a one-time act. It is a process. It is a journey. It demands sustained commitment, accountability, and collaboration. And while we have made important progress, we must remain vigilant, adaptive, and united,” Dr Chang said.

Also speaking with the Observer Thursday, Morris lauded Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake for his leadership.

“This police commissioner will go down as the most consequential Commissioner of Police in the history of this force. He’s going to create an environment that it is going to be difficult for criminals to succeed again. He started in St James and we are proud of him,” Morris said.

“As past members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force we are with the present force. We are virtually inseparable. We can’t depart from them. We communicate with regularity and we are happy to be here,” he added.