‘First Defenders’ – Why the Police Are Human Rights Advocates
The idea of the police as human rights advocates may seem, to some, like a contradiction. In modern discourse, human rights advocacy is often associated with activists, civil society organisations, and policymakers who work to hold governments accountable and advance legal protections. But as Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake, reveals in his latest column in the weekly Force Orders, this perspective misses a fundamental truth: the men and women of law enforcement are, in practice, the first defenders of human rights. Every day, they place themselves between criminals and the public, violence and safety, chaos and order—not for recognition or reward, but because duty demands it.
Dr Blake’s argument is as compelling as it is necessary. “I challenge anyone to find a greater advocate for human rights than those who put their lives on the line every day in protection of others,” he stated. His words reflect the reality of policing in Jamaica, where we often work under extreme conditions, confronting violent offenders, rescuing victims, and securing communities that would otherwise be overrun by lawlessness.
The concept of human rights is meaningless without security. The right to life, the right to liberty, the right to live free from violence—these are not just legal principles but lived realities that depend on a functioning and effective law enforcement system. “While activists raise awareness and legislators shape policies, it is you, the brave men and women in uniform, who embody these principles on the frontlines,” the Commissioner emphasized. In other words, the work of defending human rights is not just about advocacy—it is about action. And action is what police officers take every day.
There is no greater testament to this reality than the countless acts of heroism that take place within the Force, often without public recognition. Dr Blake highlighted one such moment in his latest column—the extraordinary efforts of Constable Denton Brown and District Constable Garey Murphy, who recently delivered a baby girl under emergency circumstances. “Their bravery and quick thinking turned what could have been a tragic situation into a heart-warming story of resilience and compassion,” he noted. In that moment, these officers were not just enforcers of the law; they were lifesavers, protectors, humanitarians. “In that moment, they were more than law enforcers—they were guardians of life, embodying the true spirit of the JCF—service, protection, and reassurance,” Dr Blake continued.
The challenge, however, is that police officers rarely receive recognition for this work. Instead, the narrative surrounding law enforcement is often framed by its shortcomings—by the misdeeds of a few, the perceptions of bias, and the constant scrutiny of oversight bodies. Dr Blake does not deny that law enforcement has its challenges. “Are we perfect? Of course not. Do we have challenges? Of course we do,” he admitted. But he is also clear that these challenges do not define the JCF, nor should they overshadow the countless acts of courage and service that officers perform every day.
He is right to push back against the idea that law enforcement and human rights are opposing forces. “While we continue to improve our service delivery and address our challenges, we will also continue to push back against any attempt to use these to define us,” he stated. It is an unfortunate reality that the loudest voices in discussions on policing are often those that critique it, rather than those who see its fundamental role in ensuring that human rights are upheld not in theory, but in practice.
This is not to say that law enforcement should be beyond critique—far from it. Accountability is the bedrock of legitimacy. The Commissioner himself acknowledges this, stating, “Advocacy for human rights is not just about speaking against injustice—it is about actively preventing it.” It is about ensuring that officers are held to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. But it is also about recognizing that the work of protecting human rights is, by its nature, dangerous, complex, and at times, imperfect.
One of the most powerful statements in Dr Blake’s column was his defence of why he so passionately supports the protectors—the men and women who form the last line of defence between the public and those who seek to do harm. “So if you hear anyone asking why am I so passionate about this area, just tell them that it is because even the protectors need protection—and that’s my job,” he declared. This is leadership. It is a recognition that just as citizens need safeguarding from crime, officers need safeguarding from misrepresentation, unfair criticism, and the unrealistic expectation that they can operate in a world devoid of danger and split-second decisions.
At its core, the Commissioner’s message is one of balance. Yes, officers must be held accountable. Yes, law enforcement must constantly seek to improve. But it must also be acknowledged that without the police, there is no security—and without security, there are no rights to protect.
The debate about policing and human rights should not be an “us versus them” discussion. It should be an honest conversation about how law enforcement can be empowered, supported, and refined to ensure that it upholds the values that democracy demands. The police are not just part of the human rights conversation—they are at the centre of it. And the sooner that is recognized, the stronger our society will be.
