In the most recent instalment of “The Commissioner’s Corner,” Police Commissioner, Dr Kevin Blake, offers an enlightening discourse on the ‘Quality’ component of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) mantra: “People, Quality, Technology.” This focus on quality, particularly within the ambit of law enforcement, is both revolutionary and revelatory.
Commissioner Blake’s vision reflects the JCF’s transformative journey, charting a course towards exceptional service delivery underpinned by the robust standards of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. “We did the unthinkable,” Dr Blake states, articulating the JCF’s bold step towards rigorous international standards—a move rarely ventured by police organizations.
The Commissioner elucidates a clear, measurable objective: “…a minimum of 75% customer satisfaction,” a target that underscores a commitment to the citizens of Jamaica. This commitment isn’t just lofty rhetoric; it’s a promise backed by methodical strategy and tangible outcomes. “Our quality objective is…what it takes to deliver a single service to a valued customer,” Dr Blake emphasizes, placing the individual at the heart of JCF’s mission.
Blake’s column is more than an internal memo; it’s part of the JCF’s wider blueprint for modern policing. By successfully passing the ISO 9001 Stage 2 audit and extending certification to fourteen sites—with plans for seven more—he demonstrates a proactive approach to expanding the scope of quality within the force. Dr Blake writes, “achieving ISO 9001 certification for a Police organization is very uncommon, and for good reasons.” His acknowledgment of the challenge sets the stage for an organisational culture that not only seeks to meet international standards but also views the stringent assessment as an opportunity for growth.
Perhaps the most striking element of this week’s column is the initiative to develop over one hundred and fifty trained and certified internal auditors. This move towards self-check and continuous improvement reflects a maturity in leadership and a foresight that is often amiss in public institutions. The establishment of a Standards and Inspection Bureau as a permanent branch under the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Bureau (IPROB) signals a move towards institutionalising corrective action and accountability within the force; which is a commendable step indeed.
This stride towards excellence, as narrated by Commissioner Blake, is not merely administrative reform but more so, a cultural overhaul. When he says, “nothing but excellence is good enough,” there is a very real sense of conviction. It’s a rallying cry for his members and a reassurance to the wider community they serve.
In the final analysis, Dr Blake’s column in this week’s Force Orders is indicative of a leadership ethos that transcends conventional boundaries. It’s an approach that could well position the JCF as a model of quality-driven transformation in policing, both regionally and globally. The commitment to maintaining high-quality service and institutionalizing standards sets a precedent that if replicated, could redefine the face of law enforcement worldwide.
By embracing an ethos of quality, the JCF under Dr Blake’s leadership is not just on a path to transformation but is becoming a beacon of modernization and excellence in public service.
