Prioritising Professionalism in the JCF’s Transformation
In his latest column in the weekly Force Orders, Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake made it abundantly clear that professionalism is not a desirable add-on to policing, but the foundation upon which the modern Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) must be built. His message was one of accountability, self-examination, and drive to ensure that the Force continues to earn and maintain the trust of the Jamaican people. Dr. Blake has signalled that, while the transformation of the JCF is largely about technological advancement, crime-fighting strategies, and recruitment—it is also fundamentally about how officers conduct themselves. “There is absolutely no reason nor space for any member to be less than professional when interacting with members of the public,” he stated. This declaration is both a reminder and a warning. The power entrusted to police officers is immense, and with that power comes the responsibility to exercise it with discipline, fairness, and respect. The Commissioner was clear-eyed in acknowledging that the vast majority of officers serve with honour and professionalism. However, he also pointed to the reality that a few can tarnish the reputation of the whole Force. “Let us also be mindful of the existence of the few members among us whose unprofessionalism and poor judgment sometimes erode the gains that we have made in obtaining public support and improved public perception.” In this, he is making an important distinction: the integrity of the Force is not only about what the majority does right, but also about how swiftly and effectively leadership addresses what the minority does wrong.
Everyday Interactions
This philosophical stance is also a strategic one. Public trust in law enforcement is not built solely on crime reduction statistics; it is built on everyday interactions between officers and citizens. The way a member speaks to a victim of crime, the manner in which they address a concerned parent, or the respect they show when conducting a routine stop—all these small moments accumulate to shape public perception. “We are not to be tolerant of these behaviours whenever and wherever they exist because they threaten our legitimacy in the eyes of the people,” Dr Blake asserted. What the Commissioner is articulating is a zero-tolerance approach to mediocrity in law enforcement. Policemen and women who fail to uphold the professional standards of the JCF are not merely embarrassing their colleagues—they are eroding the very legitimacy of the institution. This is not an abstract concern; it has real-world implications. When professionalism is absent, public confidence in the police declines. When public confidence declines, cooperation diminishes. And when cooperation diminishes, crime flourishes. But professionalism, as Dr Blake noted, is not the same as passivity. He made it clear that being professional does not mean officers should shy away from firmness when necessary. “Professionalism in interaction does not mean being soft and fear of being firm, when it is required,” he explained. This is a crucial balance. The JCF cannot afford to be perceived as weak, but neither can it allow excessive force, disrespect, or indiscipline to define its interactions with the public. As such, the clear message is that professionalism is about exercising authority with restraint and confidence, not arrogance or abuse. The flip side: Accountability Accountability is the other side of professionalism. Officers are not simply individuals doing a job; they are wielders of state power, entrusted with the ability to detain, arrest, and use force when necessary. That power must come with oversight, and Dr. Blake is acutely aware of this. “The powers that have been bestowed on us by law are significant. With such powers, come huge responsibilities and a need for accountability,” he stated. This is a sobering reminder that unchecked power can easily become oppressive, and that without accountability, law enforcement itself can become a threat to the society it is meant to protect. The Commissioner made it clear that oversight is not something to be feared but embraced. “It is through accountability that we can ensure that citizens with such awesome powers are kept in check and not become threats to the society,” he said. This is the hallmark of modern, democratic policing—a recognition that legitimacy is not self-proclaimed; it must be continuously earned through transparency, fairness, and discipline. However, accountability must also be fair and free of bias. Dr Blake did not shy away from pushing back against unfair or politically motivated narratives that seek to discredit the Force. “We must also demand fairness and honesty in oversight, and push back against any attempt to create a perception of us as anything but who we are,” he stated. While the JCF is open to scrutiny, it will not allow itself to be defined by misrepresentation or unfounded criticisms. “We need to demand that our oversight bodies be effective, and not engage in anecdotal rhetoric just to appear to be relevant,” he added. This stance is vital. The credibility of any Constabulary depends as much on its internal standards, as well as the integrity of the oversight mechanisms that evaluate it. If those mechanisms are themselves flawed, biased, or agenda-driven, then public discourse around policing becomes distorted. Dr Blake is making it clear that the JCF is prepared to engage with oversight, but also challenge it when necessary to ensure it remains objective, constructive, and fact-based. The Commissioner’s vision is one in which professional conduct is non-negotiable, where accountability is embraced rather than feared, and where the JCF continues to transform into a 21st-century law enforcement agency worthy of the trust placed in it. The task now falls to every member of the Force to uphold this standard, ensuring that the JCF is not only respected but also deserving of that respect.
