Dear Editor,

Jamaica’s national security landscape is one of the most complex in the Caribbean. Violent crime, entrenched gangs, slow justice processes, and public mistrust have placed the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) under intense pressure to modernise. Reform is no longer optional, it is a national security imperative.

While the JCF has made progress over the years, the pace of change has not kept pace with the scale of Jamaica’s crime challenges. Technology has improved considerably, new units have been created, and legislation has strengthened the fight against gangs and firearms trafficking. Yet the core issues remain — limited investigative capacity, bureaucratic delays, uneven leadership, and strained community relations.

Modernisation must now focus on building a police service that is capable, efficient, and effective, not just in structure, but in performance.

A modern police service must be intelligence-driven. Jamaica needs stronger analytical units; better data integration across agencies; and more specialised skills in cybercrime, financial investigations, and digital forensics. Technology — body-worn cameras, closed-circuit television (CCTV) analytics, and mobile policing tools — must be fully integrated into daily operations, not used sporadically.

Capability is not only about tools, it is about people. Continuous training, professional development, and competency-based promotions are essential.

The JCF’s command structure remains too hierarchical and slow. Modern policing requires faster decision-making, streamlined processes, and digital case management systems that reduce delays. Efficient policing also means smarter deployment of personnel, better fleet management, and stronger coordination with other agencies.

Efficiency is about removing obstacles that prevent officers from doing their jobs well.

Crime reduction depends on targeted, intelligence-led operations against gangs, high violence hotspots, and repeat offenders. But enforcement alone is not enough, public trust is a critical ingredient in effective policing. Community policing, transparency, and accountability must be strengthened to rebuild legitimacy.

Policies must be implemented consistently across divisions. Leadership at the middle management level is key to ensuring national strategies translate into real results on the ground.

Technology and new policies cannot succeed without cultural change. The JCF must shift from a traditional command and control model to a culture rooted in integrity, accountability, service, and problem solving. This is the hardest part of reform — and the most important.

Transformational leadership is essential. Jamaica needs police leaders who communicate vision, enforce standards, inspire trust, and empower their teams. Leadership development must be systematic and aligned with succession planning. A modern police service is built on modern leadership.

Policing does not operate in isolation. Effective reform requires strong partnerships with the justice system, social intervention programmes, and agencies such as the Jamaica Defence Force, Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency; Financial Investigations Division; Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency — and international allies. Security is an ecosystem — the JCF is one part of it.

The reform and modernisation of the JCF is a long-term national project. Jamaica has made meaningful strides, but deeper transformation is needed. Enhancing capability, efficiency, and effectiveness requires investment, continuity, and unwavering leadership.

A modern JCF is not defined by technology alone. It is defined by the quality of its people, the strength of its systems, and the trust it earns from the public.

Dormah B Harrison

Retired assistant commissioner of police

dormahh@gmail.com