Police Commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake, has moved to further outline the pivotal role of technology in the ongoing transformation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Writing in his column for the weekly Force Orders, Commissioner Blake continues to break down the tripartite mantra of “People, Quality, Technology”. This week, his continuing development of this narrative is call for embracing technology as an enabler of policing excellence.
In his “Commissioner’s Corner’ column, Dr Blake takes us on a journey through history to the current state of technological evolution within the JCF, referencing a time when “IBM mainframe servers” with “AS400 operating systems” were the peak of innovation. He acknowledges the shortcomings of the past, highlighting that “the technology… did not remove the need for the use of technology in enabling what we do and its power in making work more efficient.”
The Commissioner outlines a comprehensive technology strategy encompassing four programs, each crucial in the JCF’s transformation. The “expansion of the technology infrastructure” is pivotal for data management, as Blake explains the significance of enhancing the hardware framework to “facilitate the transmission of voice communication; and the procurement and deployment of end-user devices.” He underscores this advancement, noting it has allowed for the execution of projects valued at “over $8-billion.”
Dr Blake speaks to the “automation of… business processes,” a leap towards operational efficiency. He draws attention to the applications that “…manage police information and facilitate the efficient delivery of quality service to our internal and external customers.” These projects are not insular achievements but are benchmarks of progress, reflecting a holistic approach to modernization.
Understanding the threats of the digital age, Commissioner Blake touches on the need for “improving our cyber security posture.” He acknowledges this as a sensitive yet indispensable area, understanding that securing data “at rest and during transmission” is paramount in today’s policing landscape.
The fourth and “most important category,” as Dr Blake asserts, is “staff development.” This highlights the commitment to building the capabilities of the JCF’s human resources to navigate and leverage these technological advancements effectively.
Dr Blake concludes his column by lauding the leadership and contributions of individuals such as Mr. Leonardo Brown, Assistant Commissioner of Police, and his team, reflecting the intertwining of skilled leadership with technological prowess.
It has become quite evident that the JCF’s technological modernization is an intricate tapestry of infrastructure, process automation, cybersecurity, and human capital development.
This approach signifies an understanding that technology is not just tools and systems but is also about the people who wield it and the processes that govern it. As the Commissioner notes, technology is a “force multiplier in policing all over the world,” and the JCF’s journey under his leadership stands as a testament to the transformative power of technology when harnessed with vision, discipline, and a commitment to service.
