JCF Trains 3,300 in Community-Based Policing

In an effort to more effectively serve, protect and reassure, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has trained over 3,300 persons in community policing since the start of the year.
This disclosure was made by Community Policing Trainer, Corporal Odale Mulgrave during a recent interview with JIS News.
“We have started in January 2010 and so far, we have trained 3,327 persons and that is inclusive of ISCF (Island Special Constabulary Force) and civilian staff, as well as JCF members.we want everyone to be on par so that the service delivery can be just as good in every aspect,” he said.
Corporal Mulgrave, who is also Chairman of the Community-based Policing Trainers Association, informed that during the sessions, the trainers seek to “clear up” any misconceptions participants may be harbouring about community policing.
“Some persons saw it as soft policing, some persons saw it as an alternative to their core roles and functions, but it’s really to clear up those misconceptions and this has been happening,” he said.
“We expect that over a period of time…we’ll be able to see a change in the behaviour, the output, the service delivery of the officers,” he added.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Community Safety and Security, John McLean, told JIS News that while the training of every member of the JCF in community-based policing is a “massive undertaking” it is of utmost importance.
“We’re not just talking about the 8,000 regular police officers, we’re also talking about the special constabulary, and we’re talking about the district constables and we’re talking about all the civilian staff. We’re talking about training over 12,000 people,” he said.
ACP McLean also informed that some 41 officers have been specially trained to deliver one-day workshops on community policing.
In explaining the community-based policing concept, Constable Sarah Davis of the Community Safety and Security Branch, said it involves partnership, whereby citizens and police work together to solve problems of crime and disorder within communities.
“Key stakeholders in the community-based policing process include the public, the police, the business community, the media…other interested groups and that would incorporate the social work groups because we have to work closely with them in tackling disorder,” she pointed out.
Constable Davis, who is also community-based policing trainer, said that while delivering training, the facilitators emphasise the need for partnership and collaboration with the key stakeholders.
“The police alone cannot do it. We do not have the resources and most times, we need other experts to assist us in our field. At the same time, every police officer must be aware that we need to deliver full professional service at all time, that is what community policing seeks to do,” she stated.