Nearly 1,000 cops promoted in 2024

By Clinton McGregor    

 

Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has disclosed that nearly 1,000 members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were promoted last year.

 

Hundreds of veteran policemen and women have been retiring from the JCF or tendering their resignations over the last several years in protest over the lack of promotion.

 

But speaking Thursday evening on JCF Now on Radio Jamaica, Commissioner Blake said he has reviewed the management and supervisory structure of the JCF and has embarked on a major promotion drive to install experienced personnel to manage crime and violence across the country. 

 

"...That has led to the promotion of over 990 persons in the last nine months. Never before. And these are celebrated promotions. These are persons who have been in those positions delivering the service, operating as supervisors, but have not been given the rank and the authority to do so. And so we intend to fix it," said the commissioner. 

 

He added that the JCF continues to get its "machine ready" to combat criminals. 

 

"This is how we get our vehicle ready for the race track. That is why I want persons who have ill intent this year [to know] you have a well oiled machine coming at you," he warned.