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First Correctional Service Recruits to Undergo Polygraph Testing Commissioned

By: , January 26, 2018

The Key Point:

The first batch of recruits of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to undergo polygraph testing, were on Tuesday (January 23) commissioned as correctional officers.
First Correctional Service Recruits to Undergo Polygraph Testing Commissioned
Photo: Adrian Walker
State Minister for National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.

The Facts

  • Speaking with JIS News, State Minister for National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said the polygraph testing of recruits represents the Government’s commitment to raise the quality and standard of officers in the service.
  • “It lessened the numbers that we had for the intake to 67 from the usual 150, but we believe that it is the right decision. We think that if we continue to put into place systems to raise the quality and the standard, we are going to see, in time, better results with regards to our rehabilitation processes, with regards to the security systems, with regards to corruption,” he noted.

The Full Story

The first batch of recruits of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to undergo polygraph testing, were on Tuesday (January 23) commissioned as correctional officers.

The graduation service for the recruits, who represent the 76th intake of the DCS, was held at the Salem Baptist Church in St. Ann.

Speaking with JIS News, State Minister for National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said the polygraph testing of recruits represents the Government’s commitment to raise the quality and standard of officers in the service.

He said despite the fact that the number of recruits was reduced, he is satisfied that the move in the correct one.

“It lessened the numbers that we had for the intake to 67 from the usual 150, but we believe that it is the right decision. We think that if we continue to put into place systems to raise the quality and the standard, we are going to see, in time, better results with regards to our rehabilitation processes, with regards to the security systems, with regards to corruption,” he noted.

Senator Charles Jr. told JIS News that a holistic approach will be taken to motivate staff and ensure their well-being.

He highlighted that through dialogue with staff members, work will be done to improve the conditions under which they work.

He cited plans to build a ‘300 man’ facility at Tamarind Farm in St. Catherine, while noting that work is ongoing to rehabilitate sections of the Tower Street correctional facility in Kingston.

The State Minister, in his address to the 67 graduates, commended them for making the right decision to join the DCS.

He told them that they have been equipped with the requisite skills to make a positive impact in the society.

“You are an honoured servant of this nation. You have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the life of someone whom others have already turned their back against… . You are not only now a correctional officer; you are now a significant part of the structure in the Ministry of National Security,” he said.

Last Updated: January 26, 2018

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