Senator Nelson Urges Graduates to Help Change Image of Police Force

Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson, has called on Jamaica Police Academy graduates to help restore and maintain an acceptable image of the police force through their actions.
“If you can, by your actions, impress upon those you serve, the purity of your intentions, your integrity and sense of fair play, you would have gone a far way in restoring and maintaining an acceptable image of the police force,” Senator Nelson said.
The Minister was speaking at the Academy’s Passing out Parade and Certificates and Awards Ceremony, on Wednesday(June 3) at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for 77 graduates. Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, was among the guests at the function.

Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson (left) presents Woman Constable Alecia Ambursely, with an award for gaining the highest marks during training, at the Jamaica Police Academy’s Passing Out Parade today (June 3) at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.

“It is an established fact that the complement of officers in the police force is woefully short of the numbers needed to adequately serve the country. But, I submit to you that more could be achieved, even with the inadequate number that we have, if the relationship between the police officer and the public was one based on mutual respect for each other and mutual trust in each other,” Senator Nelson said.
He said that, for too long, the image of the force has been buffeted with negative responses, but that he was determined that good policemen should not suffer for bad ones.
“It is imperative, therefore graduates, that you make it an intrinsic part of your duty, to bring about this welcomed change the police force desperately needs,” the Minister stated.
“Gone are the days when the policeman was the most respected and revered individual in the community. You graduates must be part of the instruments of change that will go a far way in redefining the policeman and policewoman in the Jamaica Constabulary Force,” Senator Nelson said.

Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson (left), makes a point to Constable Jerenton Johnson, one of 77 graduates of the Jamaica Police Academy at the Passing Out Parade held today (June 3), at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine. Looking on is Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin.

In addition, he urged the graduates to execute their policing responsibilities with courtesy, when they interface with the public.
“I implore you to develop a relationship with the people you interface with. Talk to the young, and talk to the old, in the communities. Be firm, but be kind. Apply your discretion in dealing with situations that confront you, but always protect yourself,” the Minister said.
Senator Nelson also told the graduates that even when they come face to face with vicious criminals, they should respect the rights of individuals and never forget their pledge to protect and serve.
“Execute at all times your responsibilities with integrity. As examples of authority, as representatives of the state enforcement machinery, you will be exposed to all kinds of temptations and many offers will be made to you to turn a blind eye to an act of transgression. But, I charge you today, that when so confronted, always remember the oath of office that you took, to serve fairly and impartially,” he added.
“If you can by your actions impress upon those you serve, the purity of your intentions, your integrity and sense of fair play, you would have gone a far way in restoring and maintaining an acceptable image of the police force,” Senator Nelson concluded.
At the graduation ceremony: Constable Rohan Powell received an award for displaying best Christian principles; Constable Omar Brown was awarded for having best leadership qualities; Woman Constable Monica Blake awarded for being the most disciplined; Woman Constable Alecia Ambursely, for receiving the highest marks; and Constable Kimaro Minto won the best all round award.