Plans Under Way to Accredit National Police College Courses

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, says plans are under way to have the National Police College of Jamaica (NPCJ) and its courses accredited by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ).

“So… when you (police recruits) complete courses at NPCJ, you will get tertiary credits and then, over time, you can achieve your degrees from within the training branch of the (Jamaica) Constabulary Force (JCF),” he said.

The Minister was addressing the Passing out Parade and Awards Ceremony for 135 former district constables who have transitioned into the JCF, at the NPCJ in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, on November 10.

The UCJ is the accrediting, awards and academic development body for degree, diploma, and certificate programmes proposed and developed at approved higher-education institutions.

Mr. Montague informed that the process towards achieving accreditation is being led by former Chief Technical Director (CTD) in the Ministry, Karen Clarke-Davis, who was reassigned to the NPCJ.

In an interview with JIS News following the ceremony, the former CTD, who is now the Chief Programme Officer at the College, said the College first engaged the UCJ in August this year “to have an initial examination of the programmes”.

She noted that the College has to be first registered with the UCJ, and that process is currently being undertaken.

“At this time, we are waiting on the UCJ for their report to say to us where we are in terms of the accreditation process, which is a 10-step process,” she said.

Mrs. Clarke-Davis informed that accreditation of the NPCJ will not only mean recognition nationally but also regionally, and also that the institution will be a tertiary-level institution “that treats with the training and education of security specialists”.

“It will put us further in terms of being a recognised institution of learning when it comes to issues of security,” she added.

Meanwhile, the National Security Minister informed that the Government is considering the recruitment of another batch of district constables to become members of the JCF.

He pointed out that within two to three years, the JCF will be able to achieve its full complement of members, due to the number of recruits that are being trained through the NPCJ or at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies.

The Minister urged the recruits to resist the forces of corruption, “which come in all shapes and forms”.

For his part, Commissioner of Police, George Quallo, urged the 95 males and 37 females to see themselves as agents of change.

He noted that the JCF must “constantly innovate against the rising tide of crime and violence that threatens to demolish our island home and diminish our values as Jamaicans”.

The Commissioner reminded the new recruits that they are to “protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression, and to be constantly mindful of the welfare of others”.

Mr. Quallo declared that it will be his ultimate goal of ridding the JCF of the “crippling evil of corruption, which diminishes our ability to efficiently serve the people and maintain law and order”.

He encouraged the new rank and file members of the JCF to remain unsullied and be of strong moral character.

During the awards segment, Woman Constable, Auther-Lee Bryan, was awarded the Best All Round Performance; Constable Kevin Brown, Best Marksmanship Principles; Woman Constable, Janell Radcliffe, Highest Mark Obtained; and Constable Sean Sinclair, Best Leadership Qualities.