Technology Driving Ongoing Transformation of JCF’s Operational Efficiency

Several technology projects executed by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) over the last five years have served to significantly bolster the ongoing transformation of the organisation’s operational efficiency.

These include establishing the Technology Branch, headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to manage the entire technological transformation process within the JCF, working in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, which leads on large projects.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 14).

Dr. Chang said the buildout of the communication infrastructure includes upgrading and expanding the P25 Radio Communication Network to ensure islandwide radio coverage; upgrading and expanding the JCF Microwave Network; and the rollout of network connectivity across all police facilities using the JCF Microwave Network, Government Broadband Network (GovNet), satellite linkage and other modalities, as required, ensuring total connectivity.

“Efficient communication in real time at any time anywhere in the island is, maybe, the most far-reaching change we are establishing in the JCF. The digitisation and automation of the Force’s business processes will, of course, leverage the foundation laid with the effective communication infrastructure,” the Minister said.

“We now have the replacement of police books and diaries by the Station Records Management and Case Management Systems [and] the issuing of traffic tickets using handheld electronic ticketing devices, [is] a very visible and important transformation,” he added.

Dr. Chang also mentioned the vehicle tracking and monitoring process using the Amber Connect Fleet Management System, which is primarily on the new vehicles, and the procurement of an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERPS) to support asset management, requisitioning and budgeting, which is in place.

“We have been fully operational this year to ensure that the investment we are making in infrastructure and equipment… is being effectively managed and maintained,” the Minister stated.

Other communication infrastructure includes the presence of the smart check application in the vehicles and on mobile devices to allow officers in the field to access critical information, in real time, to support their work; police emergency dispatch using the upgraded Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System; and biometric data capture using the upgraded Multimodal Biometric Identification System (MBIS).

Meanwhile, Dr. Chang highlighted the expansion of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance under the JamaicaEye Programme, which currently has more than 900 cameras integrated across the island.

Another 550 cameras will be installed this year, with funding coming from both the Consolidated Fund and partners.

Dr. Chang said the goal is to have approximately 3,000 additional cameras installed over the next three financial years.