The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is seeking to recruit three other foreign nationals to serve in the senior ranks of the force.
Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, announced during his Budget Debate presentation in Gordon House that a critical element of the JCF’s renewal strategy involved utilizing new expertise with different experiences, approaches and training.
The JCF already has a number of experts working with the Kingfish Task Force and a British national was recently appointed Deputy Commissioner.
On the issue of ensuring accountability within the force, Dr. Phillips said, “even as we have quite properly given operational autonomy to the Commissioner of Police, we need, equally, to ensure that there is accountability to an external authority generally, as well as to the society as a whole, and so we are exploring different models of achieving this.”
One option being considered, the Minister indicated was an expansion of the role and responsibilities of the Police Services Commission. “Among other things, we have also begun discussions with the Opposition”, he informed. Turning to private sector assistance to the force the Minister said, “I would at this point like to expressly thank members of the private sector and many members of communities for stepping up to the plate and working with the JCF as they seek to transform the force.”
A number of private sector firms, he said, have agreed to work with the JCF in assisting with their Corporate Plan and their transformation in areas such as property management and refurbishing of police facilities; human resources management and development; financial management; fleet management and information and communication technology.
