Low Crime, Smart Policing Driving Growth – PIOJ Head Lauds JCF Transformation
Jamaica’s falling crime rate is helping to unlock new levels of economic opportunity, says Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr Wayne Henry. He has praised the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for its strategic use of technology in crime fighting, calling it a major catalyst for national development.
Speaking at the JCF’s Transformation Expo 2.0, Dr Henry said the Force’s embrace of data-driven policing has created an enabling environment for productivity, investment, and social stability. He noted that the steady decline in major crimes has already begun to have positive ripple effects across the economy. “With the agency’s mandate for integrated sustainable development of the country, a steady decline in crime has created an environment that is conducive for productivity, investments and overall growth,” he said.
Dr Henry outlined that high crime levels traditionally increase the cost of doing business and reduce investor confidence. He believes Jamaica is now in a better position to strengthen its economic trajectory, with reduced violence playing a central role in improving the quality of life for all citizens.
Having attended the inaugural staging of the expo in 2023, Dr Henry noted how significantly the use of technology has evolved within Jamaica’s security forces.
He commended both the JCF and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) for their growing reliance on digital tools and platforms. “We’ve seen the infusion of greater levels of technology in Jamaica’s crime fighting and in the
Constabulary Forces, both JDF and JCF, utilizing more technology… allowing people to do more while exerting less and even work smarter… so it is encouraged,” he said.
He explained that technology has enabled the Force to expand its use of intelligence, data analysis, and strategic application—tools which he described as essential for improving modern public services. “Technology has permitted the Force to use more intelligence, data, application and analysis,” Dr Henry added. “That is a very positive step for the country and we want to see more technology not just in the area of crime fighting but in Government services overall and how the public sector is run.”
Dr Henry also acknowledged the role of key partnerships and government coordination in helping to sustain the downward trend in crime. He pointed to community renewal initiatives and support from development partners as important contributors to the gains being made. “In coordinating and collaborating with development partners,” he said, “the PIOJ attributes the improvements to the reduction in crime, assistance from other countries and a community renewal program that allows engagement with various ministries and agencies.”
Alongside the technological improvements, Dr Henry expressed his admiration for the cultural and structural changes within the JCF. He said he was especially impressed by the absence of gender disparity in the Force and praised the overall vision being presented at the expo. “I think the expo is so important because it showcases. When you want to build trust, it is built on knowledge and demonstrated ability,” he said, suggesting that the event offers a meaningful platform to reduce the trust deficit that exists between citizens and state institutions.
As he reflected on the progress being made, Dr Henry encouraged all Jamaicans to contribute to the country’s forward momentum. He believes that public participation is essential to national transformation and that the current trajectory should be embraced by every citizen. “We’ve seen tremendous advancements,” he said, urging the nation to stay the course. “The low crime rates serve as a catalyst towards a secure nation.”
With the JCF continuing to modernise under its transformation pillars – People, Quality, and Technology – Dr Henry says Jamaica is not only confronting crime more effectively but is building the institutional foundation necessary to support long-term growth.
