KINGSTON, Jamaica — With thousands of students set to return to the classroom, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it is stepping up preparations to ensure the new school year gets off to a safe start.

According to the JCF, readiness is not simply about putting more police at school gates. It is about knowing where the risks are, identifying vulnerable students early and having the right partnerships in place to intervene before problems escalate.

That approach was highlighted on the Force for Good Podcast, where National Safe Schools Coordinator, Sergeant Andrew Williams, and St Catherine North Community Safety and Security Branch Sub-officer in Charge, Sergeant Kester Fennel, outlined how school resource officers (SROs) are preparing for the new term.

Sergeant Williams said SROs are ready to reconnect with students, while encouraging parents to make contact with the officers assigned to their child’s school.

“Your school resource officer is there for you,” Williams said, noting that parents can reach out when their children face threats, bullying, peer pressure or other challenges. He explained that the SRO can then engage the dean of discipline, guidance counsellor and school administration to determine the best way to address the situation.

As part of its preparations, the JCF is also taking a preventative approach to guard against gang recruitment in schools.

Sergeant Fennel said SROs will also be paying close attention to student behaviours and group formations that could signal emerging gang influence, as preventing recruitment within schools remains a key priority.

“We recognise that preventing them from recruiting new members, especially from our schools, is absolutely important,” he said.

He explained that where concerns are identified, officers work with school administrators, guidance counsellors and parents to determine the appropriate intervention, including connecting at-risk students to mentorship programmes.

Sergeant Fennel said that engagement will continue beyond the school compound, with SROs monitoring known loitering areas, addressing truancy and maintaining mentorship activities with students outside of school hours.

As the new school year approaches, the JCF said its SROs are ready to respond, intervene early and help keep students safe, in and beyond the classroom.