Gov’t Spends $4.6b since Fiscal Year 2016/17 to Bolster JCF’s Mobility

The Government has invested significantly in acquiring vehicles for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), with $4.6 billion spent between fiscal years 2016/17 and 2023/24.

The acquisitions include SUVs, cars, pickups, buses, and motorcycles, says Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.

“[This has] brought the fleet to a near functional level. We are still not quite where we should be and, in fact, this year, we will be making a significant effort to put the additional numbers in place to give the police full mobility,” he indicates.

Dr. Chang was making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 14).

Regarding human resource development, Dr. Chang said this is critical to the execution of the JCF’s operations.

“For the first time in the history of Jamaica, we have brought the police to establishment level [of] 14,000,” the Minister informed, adding that the JCF will consolidate and look to expand, if necessary.

Dr. Chang also informed that staff welfare has been institutionalised within the Force through established internal structures for the first time.

He pointed out that the JCF now boasts a transparent, merit-based promotional system, incorporating examinations, developmental courses, and accelerated programmes.

“We are looking at expanding the Officer Corps from about 2.5 to 3.5 per cent of the Force during the course of this year, which will ensure that we have the hierarchical effect of increasing the number of sub-officers required to supervise the thousands of young officers we have recruited,” Dr. Chang stated.

A total of 1,105 permanent civilian posts have been added to the JCF, which has provided tenure and improved benefits to some of the most vulnerable groups.