Jamaica Constabulary Force

Infobox Police Department
name = Jamaica Constabulary Force

motto = Serve, Protect and Reassure
established = 1716
jurisdiction = Jamaica
sworn = about 8,500 officers
non-sworn =
CSO =
stations = Area Headquarters: 5Division Headquarters: 19

Stations: 189

Recruiting Centres: 4
jails =
helicopters =
policeboats =
chief =
sheriff =
commissioner = Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin
supervisor
website = [http://www.jcf.gov.jm http://www.jcf.gov.jm] The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is the police force of the island nation of Jamaica. Establishment of the JCF is 9930 plus fifty five (55) supernumerary positions making a total of 9985, but the current strength is 8441. The current commissioner is Rear Admiral (Ret'd) Hardley Lewin of Saint Ann. In early 2005, politician Edward Seaga called for the merger of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the country's military, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). This has not garnered any support among government officials, however.

Approximately 49 police officers have been killed in the line of duty since 2002.

Role

The Force is that arm of the Ministry which is responsible for the maintenance of law and order, the prevention and detection of crime, the investigation of alleged crimes, the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of all criminal laws as defined by the Jamaican jurisdiction. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) also provides general assistance to the public as the case may arise. By adhering to their Citizens Charter, the JCF endeavours to satisfy citizens through general service as well as through the impartial, transparent enforcement of law and order.

History

The history of police in Jamaica began in 1716 when night watchmen were appointed to serve the cities of Port Royal, Kingston, and the parishes of Saint Catherine and Saint Andrew. In 1832, the first attempt to establish a permanent police force began. William Ramsay was appointed Inspector General of the police force in 1835. This police force of sorts continued service until the year 1865, which was the year the Morant Bay Rebellion took place. This rebellion showed the vulnerability of peace and law on Jamaica, and caused the establishment of a new, improved police force, called the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The Force began operation with 984 members under the management of an Inspector General appointed by the British Governor to the island. This new police force continues to carry out police duties to present-day.

Organisational Units

Jamaica Constabulary Force has a total number of 45 Organisational units. All 45 Units can be viewed at: [http://www.jamaicapolice.org.jm/divisions.html Organisational Units]

Here are 15 such Organisational Units in the Jamaica Constabulary Force:

Bureau of Special Investigations

Child Abuse & Sexual Offences

Marine Division

Motorized Patrol

Mounted Troop

Narcotics

Special Anti Crime Task Force

Traffic Headquarters

Constabulary Communication Network

Canine Division

Band Division

Administration and Support Services

Special Branch

Remand Centre

Fraud Squad

The ranks Structure

There are 11 ranks in the JCF. They are (In order of highest to lowest):

*Commissioner (Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin as of October 2007; one laurel wreath and one crown on each shoulder strap)
*Deputy Commissioner (one laurel wreath and two stars on each shoulder strap)
*Assistant Commissioner (one laurel wreath on each shoulder strap)
*Senior Superintendent (one crown and one star on each shoulder strap)
*Superintendent (one crown on each shoulder strap)
*Deputy Superintendent (three stars on each shoulder strap)
*Assistant Superintendent (two stars on each shoulder strap)
*Inspector (two metal bars on each shoulder strap)
*Sergeant (three chevrons on right sleeve)
*Corporal (two chevrons on right sleeve)
*Constable (no badge assigned)

Badges of Ranks

GAZETTED RANKS

Uniform

The uniform for the ranks of Constables to Sergeant is:

Blue/black serge trousers with red stripes down each seam, worn with either a white or light blue short-sleeved shirt. The headress is a black peaked cap with a red band.

The uniform for the ranks of Inspector to Commissioner is:

Light khaki jacket, shirt and trousers, with epaulettes on the shoulders. A blue/black cap is worn with a black band and silver braiding on the peak.

A white high collared tunic is sometimes worn by all ranks on ceremonial occasions, with the blue/black peaked cap and trousers.

Training

Memebers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are trained at the Jamaica Police Academy in Twickenham Park, Spanish Town, St. Catherine. Recruits undergo the minimum of 8 months, Basic training.

Students are required to sit three (3) written examinations and twelve (12) practical tests. They are exposed to on-the-job training through visits to selected police stations and R.M. Courts. On completion of basic training, they are transferred to various Divisions where they are placed under the direct supervision of the Divisional Training Duty Sub-Officer, to continue their two (2) year probationary training.

At the end of 18 months service, probationers are sent back to the Jamaica Police Academy for an additional five weeks of training. Thereafter, they return to their divisions to complete the probationary period.

Equipment

* Heckler & Koch MP5

Contact

101-103 Old Hope Road

Kingston 6

Jamaica, West Indies

General Office: 1 [phone]

Commissioner's Office: 1 (876) 927 - 4421

ee also

*Island Special Constabulary Force

*Jamaica Rural Police Force (District Constable)

Webmaster

Deneil Christian

Future Police Cadet & Constable

Tel: [phone] or 1 [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

External links

* [http://www.jcf.gov.jm Official Website of Jamaica Constabulary Force]
* [http://www.jamaicapolice.org.jm/main.html Jamaica Constabulary Force]
* [http://www.jamaicapolice.org.jm/iscf/iscfindex.html Island Special Constabulary Force (Auxillary)]