KINGSTON, Jamaica — Since 2018, more than 7,100 individuals have joined the ranks of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, made the disclosure during the recent Passing Out Parade and Awards Ceremony for Batches 163 and 164, held at the National Police College of Jamaica in St Catherine.

He told the 295 graduates that the JCF today is a transformed organisation, emphasising that it stands as an institution of opportunity for young professionals.

“You are joining a force that has undergone one of the most significant transformations in its history. You’re not entering the force of old – an institution that in its original design reflected a coercive colonial model of policing… one that often seemed as distant from and at times repressive to the very community it was meant to serve.

“That chapter is behind us. You are joining a force that has been deliberately transformed to reflect its true purpose – to serve and protect – grounded in genuine partnership with the people,” Dr Chang added.

The minister noted that, for decades, the JCF carried the weight of long-standing legacy issues, including outdated training infrastructure, inadequate resources, poor working conditions, and limited opportunities for advancement.

Dr Chang emphasised that these challenges have been confronted head‑on and systematically addressed through deliberate policy action and sustained investment.

“Today, you are stepping into a modern, professional and increasingly respected law-enforcement institution. We have restructured the compensation for police officers, ensuring that those who serve and protect are better rewarded for their sacrifice. We have strengthened staff welfare arrangements, recognising that a motivated and supported officer is a more effective officer,” he stated.

“We have established clear pathways for clearer advancement so that your progress within the force is determined by merit, discipline and performance. Today, the JCF is the model police force of the Caribbean and, indeed, almost the entire Western Hemisphere, as they have confronted the legacy issues, and positioned themselves to be one of the finest and most successful police force in the region,” Dr Chang added.

The minister informed that, over the past three years, more than 2,200 police officers, including more than 250 at the gazetted ranks, have been promoted through a transparent, merit‑based system.

He said this reflects a commitment to fairness and excellence, and to building a leadership structure capable of guiding the force into the future.

“In addition, we have invested heavily in human resource development. In a focused way, recruitment has been expanded and training capacity has been increased. New training programmes and certification opportunities have been introduced to ensure that every officer is equipped, not only with the physical skills for the job but also with the intellectual and ethical foundation necessary for modern policing,” Dr Chang stated.

— JIS