JCF NOW ‘THE ENVY OF THE REGION’, SAYS BERMUDA POLICE CHIEF Caribbean law enforcement bodies urged to follow Jamaica’s lead as crime plummets
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has become the regional gold standard for crime reduction and police transformation, according to Bermuda’s Commissioner of Police, Daren Simons. Speaking at the launch of the JCF’s Transformation Expo 2.0 on Thursday, Simons hailed Jamaica’s recent achievements as ‘the envy of every Caribbean nation’ and called on regional governments and police forces to emulate the Jamaican model.
“While our region grapples with rising violence, Jamaica has forged a new path,” Simons said. “These changes are the envy of every Caribbean nation. Indeed, any police force the world over would celebrate numbers like these.” He cited a 44 per cent reduction in murders, a 20 per cent drop in major crimes, and the lowest first-quarter crime figures in over 25 years.
“The numbers don’t just speak—they shout about what is possible,” he added, referring specifically to May 2025, which traditionally ranks among the most violent months but is now the second safest May in over two decades.
Simons, who also serves as President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), used his platform to spotlight Jamaica’s leadership within the region, noting that while other countries continue to face the growing threat of organised crime and gang violence, Jamaica has demonstrated what transformation looks like in real terms.
“Your police force has shown us a way forward. Commissioner Blake and his team haven’t just talked about transformation—they’re delivering it,” he declared.
Describing the JCF’s approach as “full-fat policing; not diet, not skinny,” Simons coined the acronym FAT to mean Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency. He praised the force’s efforts to “peel back the layers” and show the public aspects of policing never previously revealed, noting that this level of openness is central to building community confidence.
“Community confidence isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the very foundation of policing,” he asserted. “When communities trust the police, they share information. When they share information, we solve more crimes. And when we solve more crimes, we build even greater trust.”
Simons issued a direct call to action to regional political leaders and policymakers, urging them not to ease off the momentum. “You’re backing a winning horse now. Don’t ease up on the feed. The JCF needs your financial support – and just as important – your public backing,” he warned.
“Their success is your success. It makes people safer, increases investment, and boosts national confidence. When our leaders back the police, the public backs the police, and the cycle of community confidence repeats itself,” he further added.
Addressing the members of the force directly, Simons urged them to be proud of what they have accomplished. “JCF has marked its course. Now continue to walk it. Share your plans with the community. The people you serve are watching—full of hope and ready to support officers who serve with integrity.”
He concluded with a stirring charge to the Caribbean region: “The JCF has lit a beacon for the Caribbean. They’ve shown us that transformation is not just possible, but powerful. Now it’s time for us to carry that forward.”
As the Transformation Expo 2.0 continues, the message from Commissioner Simons is that Jamaica is no longer just participating in the regional conversation on security; it is leading it.
