Governor-General Highlights Important Role of the Police

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Dr. Patrick Allen, has argued that the destiny of the nation and the quality of Jamaica’s economic, social and spiritual future are integrally linked to the performance of the police force.
“The choices we make today, how we treat the opportunities resting in our hands, will determine the quality of our economic, social and spiritual future. For any organisation to succeed in challenging times, it will need people who are constantly and consistently going beyond the ordinary, because of their personal commitment to excellence,” he said.
The Governor-General was giving the keynote address at the 66th Annual Joint Conference of the Jamaica Police Federation, at the Starfish Hotel, in Falmouth, Trelawny on May 27.
Dr. Allen said that, over the years, he has come to accept that excellence is achieved by the persistent pursuit of what is right and by observing the principles and laws that guide the society.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Dr. Patrick Allen (right), listens to a comment from Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent (left) during the Jamaica Police Federation’s 66th Annual Conference at the Starfish Hotel in Falmouth, Trelawny on May 27.

He pointed out that the police should understand the meaning of excellence, which is always doing more than what is required of them.
“As a Federation, you have the opportunity and you are in the position to call on your members to set new standards in their service to all of our citizens, who rely on your integrity and commitment to build a just and civil society. I believe that police officers are expected to be conscious, law-abiding citizens who conduct themselves with pride and dignity in the execution of their work on a daily basis. Each officer has the opportunity to be an example to people he or she meets in the line of duty. The police ought to be custodians of the law, who represent the force in a professional manner and with dignity,” the Governor-General said.
Citing the multi-faceted role of the police in society, which is one of nurturing, caring, protecting, counselling and instructing, Dr. Allen said the police “ought to be a pastor.”
“In your effort to become the ideal police officer, I urge you to develop compassion and understanding, as these are two of the qualities that will help you to fulfill your mandate credibly. I believe that the Police Federation can pilot a segment of the ‘I Believe’ programme, which would serve to inspire and motivate our people to achieve their full potential and in turn nurture a new relationship between police officers and the people. If you join in this campaign of ‘I Believe’, I think that we will begin to see such transformation in this nation that will make your work easier and keep you safer as well. There is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica, and you are what is right with Jamaica,” the Governor-General told the police members.
He commended the leadership of the Jamaica Police Federation for its commitment, service and for the vital support it provides for its members and urged that the outcome of all deliberations should be for the common good of the society, including that of the members of the Federation.
Activities for the two-day conference, which will end on May 28, are being carried out under the theme, ‘Achieving excellence in a resolute quest for service and empowerment to members’.