STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENTAL LEAVE
I have become aware of some speculation circulating on social media regarding my brief absence from the office.
I would not ordinarily consider it necessary to respond to every rumour or piece of misinformation circulated about me. However, I believe that members of the public who have a genuine interest in knowing the truth deserve to have the facts.
I am currently on a few days of departmental leave, which was planned several months in advance. My absence from the office is therefore entirely in keeping with that planned leave.
I am making this clarification because of the growing danger posed by the deliberate creation and circulation of false information, particularly on social media. In today’s environment, some persons appear willing to create stories simply to attract attention, generate likes, shares and engagement, without considering the damage that such irresponsible behaviour can cause to individuals, institutions and public confidence.
Rumours may make for attractive social media content, but they do not become truth because they are repeated often or shared widely.
I have no desire to give undue importance to those who engage in this kind of behaviour. My responsibility, however, is to the public, and where there is genuine uncertainty about an important matter, I believe the public deserves the facts.
The facts are simple: I am on planned departmental leave, which was arranged several months ago, and I will resume my duties and be back in office on Monday September 14.
Upon my return, I will resume leadership of the Force as it prepares to enter the final quarter of 2026, with continued focus on sustaining the historic reductions in murders and other violent crimes and advancing the transformation and modernisation of the JCF.
Dr. Kevin Blake
Commissioner of Police
Jamaica Constabulary Force
