The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is undergoing its most aggressive programme of modernisation and transformation; significantly expanding and enhancing its workforce. In a recent interview on “JCF Now”, Police Commissioner Antony Anderson provided an in-depth perspective on these ground-breaking developments.
“For the first time, we are actually expanding the size of the force,” Commissioner Anderson stated, marking a milestone in the JCF’s history. “This was the third year where we exceeded 1200 police officers joining the force per year,” he added, highlighting a consistent growth in recruitment.
Commissioner Anderson emphasized the importance of not only increasing numbers but also enhancing skills. “We did over 38 courses locally to upskill our members,” he noted, detailing the comprehensive training regime undertaken in 2023. This effort extended beyond local borders, with over 3200 JCF members – including Detectives, Forensic and ballistic experts – receiving training both locally and overseas.
This focus on development has had a significant impact on the force’s structure. “This led to 637 overall members being promoted last year,” Anderson revealed, underscoring the opportunities for career advancement within the JCF.
Looking to the future, Commissioner Anderson is not content to rest on these laurels. “We have to go even more aggressively this year, as we expand the force,” he declared, signalling an unwavering commitment to continuous growth and improvement.
The Commissioner also highlighted the broader context of these efforts. “All of these things, the way we do business, is a function of executing the policies around national security,” he explained, situating the JCF’s transformation within the larger framework of national security.
Commissioner Anderson’s vision for the JCF is clear: a force that is not only larger but more skilled, more capable, and better equipped to handle the complexities of modern policing. As the JCF embarks on this ambitious journey, it stands as a model for other law enforcement agencies, proving that the heart of effective policing lies in the human capital it cultivates. Under Commissioner Anderson’s leadership, the JCF is not just growing in numbers but evolving into a more dynamic, responsive, and proficient force, poised to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
