JCF celebrates 157 years of service and commitment to Jamaica

In any organisation, celebrating milestones is an opportunity to reflect, acknowledge, and strengthen the collective spirit that drives progress. For the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Police Week served as that moment, as the Force celebrated 157 years of collective service, evolution, and resilience to the Jamaican public.

This year, Police Week, which ran from November 23-29, also marked 75 years of women in the JCF, highlighting the strides made towards inclusion and the recognition of those whose contributions have built the Force into what it is today.

In his recent Commissioner’s Corner in the Force Orders, Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake noted that Police Week was as much about commemorating the JCF’s history as it was about celebrating its present. From the gala dinner celebrating the women of the Force, to the church services honouring fallen officers, each event served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices, achievements, and dedication of JCF members.

“We are at the end of another one of our unforgettable annual Police Week, where we celebrate our achievements and evolution over the 157 years of our existence,” Dr Blake wrote.

It is this kind of reflection – on both successes and the sacrifices made along the way – that underscores the JCF’s commitment to transformation.

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The commissioner’s recognition of the Corporate Communications Network (CCN) for their professional coverage of the gala was a significant acknowledgment of the dedication behind the scenes.

“We quite often fail to recognise the awesomeness of our Corporate Communications Network (CCN), who so skillfully and professionally covered the event, that many of our invited guests were amazed that it wasn’t a contracted service,” Dr Blake noted.

This attention to recognising effort – whether on the frontlines or behind the scenes – is crucial to building an organisation where members feel seen and valued. It shows a commissioner who understands that morale and transformation are as much about recognising hard work as they are about tackling the challenges ahead, noted the CCN staff.

HONOURING THE FALLEN

Police Week also provided a space for reflection on the sacrifices made by members of the Force. Honouring the fallen is a solemn tradition in law enforcement, and this year, the JCF did so in multiple ways – through memorial services and a dinner hosted for the children of fallen officers.

“We honour those officers who have laid down their lives in service to their nation. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the weight of their duty,” Dr Blake said.

The officers who continue their duties do so with the knowledge that the path they walk is fraught with danger, and yet they remain steadfast in their commitment to protect and serve.

“Let us never forget that they were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and friends. They were individuals who answered the call to serve with courage and conviction,” the commissioner said.

His words serve as an important reminder that the fallen are more than just names on plaques or statistics in a report – they were human beings whose contributions and sacrifices must be remembered in the most personal terms. This humanisation of fallen members speaks to a leadership that understands the importance of connection, both within the Force and with the public it serves.

The loss of a member sends ripples through the Force, their families, and the wider society. “The loss is both personal and professional,” Dr Blake acknowledged.

The grief of colleagues and families is profound, yet the commissioner encouraged his officers to let that loss “strengthen your resolve to honour the fallen by continuing the work they believed in.” This resolve is what makes the JCF resilient; it is what transforms tragedy into motivation and serves as a beacon of bravery and selflessness for those who remain, he shared.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS

This kind of resilience does not happen by accident. It is built through support systems that provide comfort and aid in times of loss.

Commissioner Blake took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of the Welfare Division and Chaplaincy Services for their on-going support to the families of fallen officers.

“I want to recognise the work of our Welfare Division under the leadership of Mr Raymond Wilson, as well as our Chaplaincy Services, led by Dr Gary Budhoo-Fletcher, our Force Chaplain, for the amazing work they have been doing in ensuring that we provide the necessary support for the families of our fallen officers,” he wrote.

Such services, which include financial assistance and counselling, are vital to ensuring that the families of those who have given their lives in service are not forgotten.

The commissioner’s words were not only directed inward but also outward, to the people of Jamaica. He expressed gratitude for the public support that helps sustain the JCF during times of tragedy.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank our people who we serve, and the various institutions that have provided valuable support to the JCF and its members in times of tragedy,” Dr Blake wrote.

It is a reminder that public support is not taken for granted, but deeply appreciated.

Dr Blake’s emphasis on recognising both the sacrifices and the on-going contributions of JCF members illustrates a broader understanding of what it means to lead a law enforcement agency at this time. Transformation cannot be only about new technologies or updated strategies. It is also about people and ensuring that those who serve feel valued, and that their sacrifices are remembered.

As Commissioner Blake put it, “Colleagues, as we honour these brave souls, let us recommit ourselves to building a society where their sacrifices lead to lasting change – a safer, more united Jamaica.”

For the men and women of the Constabulary, Police Week was about celebrating the achievements, acknowledging the challenges, and honouring the sacrifices that make modern policing possible.

For them, transformation begins with people and acknowledging that the path to a safer Jamaica is one that honours both the past and the promise of the future.