Review of JCF to be Completed Soon

Governor General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, has said a review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), aimed at improving its effectiveness, will soon be completed.
“The Government stands ready to implement the recommendations, which will emanate from that exercise, and the country, in particular, members of the police force, must be prepared for the far-reaching changes that are likely to occur,” he said.
Sir Kenneth was delivering the Throne Speech at the State Opening of Parliament, today (March 27), at Gordon House, which marks the beginning of the new fiscal year on April 1.
He said crime-fighting strategies would be intensified and the mobility, surveillance and investigative capabilities of the police force strengthened.
“This is going to require a modernized, skilled and efficient police force, whose integrity is assured and accountability enforced,” Sir Kenneth said.
The Governor General pointed out that the court system would be improved in an effort to deter crime, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought to justice.
He said the Government would begin the implementation of the recommendations of the Justice Reform Task Force to modernize the court system, improve access and ensure that all citizens, on a timely basis, could seek redress and obtain justice.
In the wide ranging address, the Governor-General pointed out that persons who fall below or near the poverty line was of great concern to the government, adding that provisions would be made in the budget to assist such persons.
“While we strive for economic growth and increased employment, we will broaden the safety net for the very poor and most vulnerable and provision will be made in the new budget to facilitate this,” Sir Kenneth said.