New Police Recruits Urged to Bring Creative Minds to Crime Fighting

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, is imploring newly enlisted members of the police force to assist with devising effective strategies to fight “this new generation of criminals.”

“Let us benefit from your young, fresh minds. We have to use technology to help win this battle. I challenge all of you graduates to begin to think outside of the box. In fact, just demolish the box and place no limits on your creative capacity,” he said.

The Minister was addressing the Passing Out Parade and Awards ceremony for new Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) recruits at the National Police College of Jamaica at Twickenham Park in St. Catherine on Friday (September 1).

Mr. Montague noted that the police is now faced with criminals from generation Z, who were born after the creation of the Internet, and as such have access to information at their fingertips, which they use to carry out their illicit activities.

“We are no longer fighting just criminals on the ground. We are fighting in the air and in cyber space. Begin to think of what we can do; begin to learn and understand from those with the experience and add new and creative ideas,” he said.

The National Security Minister pointed out that as part of the JCF’s ongoing reform process, the new recruits were taken through a new training curriculum.

“This is critical to understanding modern policing and will equip you with the skills you need. Ensure that you know and understand the five-pillar strategy as you go out and be the ones that make a difference,” he said.

Mr. Montague  noted that legislation has been put forward to modernise the police force. “This modernisation cannot be successful without the support of each and every one of you. We need a more modern police force to fight these modern criminals,” he noted.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Novelette Grant, in an address on behalf of  Police Commissioner George Quallo, told the recruits that they are expected to be a symbol of courage, strength and change.

She further implored them to adopt an attitude of people engagement, nurturing positive and solid partnerships towards effectively building safer communities and a secure Jamaica.

A total of 199 constables comprising Batch 114, graduated during the ceremony.