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[876law-enforcement]

Let Us Be More Aware

One of the biggest issues we have not only in law enforcement but the entire country by extension is one that is mostly overlooked and goes without being noticed by most people in our society. It is sad to say that so many of us are so unaware of the important things in our society, we get up on a daily basis and we just get through our days like it is nothing but a formality. There is such a massive gap between what we know and what we  actually know.

I implore each and every individual rise up and carry the mantle, build up your awareness and encourage others to do the same so that we can eliminate the ignorance  that we encounter on a daily basis in our country. Each one can reach one and aid it the development ok the knowledge of our entire country. Too often we ignore the little things that we should do and know, if many of these simple things were grasped and put into practice my majority of the population, don’t you think it would have a positive influence on how we operate and the amount of issues that law enforcement encounter daily.

In so many cases all over Jamaica we see and hear of situations where it points clearly to the fact that citizens have no idea what is required of them and how they should behave in an encounter with the police and vice versa at times. Yes, that is right, the police also do not know or maybe they ignore what is required of them and how they should behave in simple encounters with the civilians. Too often we have seen situations where it has become all about using force and showcasing the power that they believe they have over the civilians. Too many times I have seen were it seems to be one trying to show the other who is in charge rather than us working together while showing respect and courtesy and  fulfilling our obligations to maintaining the peace in our country. Many times, the civilians have shown no respect and displayed blatant disregard for the law and the officers working to uphold the law.

As a citizen approached by the police:                                                              You must always remember to remain calm, if you have done nothing you have nothing to fear. Show no hostility and do not run. RUNNING AWAY WILL MAKE YOU APPEAR GUILTY EVEN IF YOU ARE INNOCENT.

An officer approaching a citizen:                                                                   Should NOT use force if your questions/ requests/ demands/ commands are disregarded; citizens have the right to remain silent. You MUST be guided by the hallmark of professional conduct and courtesy - Justice and Fairness - when enforcing the law.

This website below entails much more clarity and information on basic things I believe we should know as citizens of this lovely country (Citizen: Rights, duties & responsibilities - OAS. (n.d.). Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://www.oas.org/juridico/Spanish/jam_res26.pdf.)

Just imagine the huge difference it would make if we were all up to date and in tune with what is expected of us. Without a doubt, it would not only lessen issues for law enforcement but less issues over all for the entire country to remedy.

As you learn and build on your awareness motivate others to do the same, be a positive influence to others by simple passing on the knowledge that you gain. Push others to know the things we have the responsibility to know and impact a change for the good. 

Remember Knowledge is power, but without putting that knowledge to work it is useless...

Reference

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 26, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search q=citizens%2Bbehavior%2Bto%2Bjamaican%2Bpolice&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjItZCWlejzAhULW98KHSSnCEIQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=citizens%2Bbehavior%2Bto%2Bjamaican%2Bpolice&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CqJ1jcZGDkZ2gEcAB4AIAB6wGIAagRkgEGMjUuMC4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=TwB4YYjSOou2_QakzqKQBA&bih=722&biw=1536&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971#imgrc=wAKQ9EU-cWploM.

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 26, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search?q=awareness&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjA-JidlejzAhVlUN8KHaHKAJsQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=awareness&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIECAAQQzIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDoICAAQgAQQsQM6CwgAEIAEELEDEIMBOgUIABCxA1DV4ARY-ugXYOzuF2gAcAB4A4AB4wGIAecQkgEGMTMuNy4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWewAQDAAQE&sclient=img&ei=XgB4YcDRL-Wg_QahlYPYCQ&bih=722&biw=1536&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971#imgrc=iKj3-s4_Scn5pM.

[876law-enforcement]

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

The Jamaican Constabulary Force was formed in 1716 and is governed by the Ministry of National Security. The responsibility of the force is 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 penal code. 

Many children and teenagers aspire to be police officers. To be accepted for training one must be between the ages of 18-40 years of age. The recruitment process of the JCF is a very lengthy one and it has been a challenge for decades. The  enthusiasm to become a police has reduced over the years and so it is difficult to recruit new members into the force as youngster are more concerned about more high paying and professional jobs. Furthermore the fear of making a mistake that will bring scrutiny and perhaps criminal prosecution is difficult to overcome. It is very difficult to see it as just being a mere coincidence where so many family members of individuals who become police officers think they have changed for the worst and are no longer the good persons that they use to be. Let us take a look at every aspect of our recruitment and training process, there is always room for improvement because we learn everyday as we grow. 

For one to be accepted in the JCF males cannot be shorter than 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and should weigh at least 135 pounds (61 kg). Females cannot be shorter than 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) and weigh at least 125 pounds (57kg).

All applicants must be a Jamaican citizen as well as be vetted and undergo thorough background checks, anyone who has any criminal charges will be eliminated from the recruitment. Every candidate it required to be must be in good physical and mental shape. each person is examined for the severity of their illnesses by a medical doctor from the Recruitment Office.

Every candidate must provide certified proof of qualifications to apply. A minimum of 4 passes in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations is required inclusive of English and Mathematics or an alternative like Principles of Accounts, Chemistry, or Physics.

Due to our very long and drawn out application process many applicants often get demotivated and even turn from joining the jcf because they become impatient from waiting far too long. In my opinion we need to do something about this long process that is causing us to lose so many of our potential police officers who are trying to be apart of the jcf. We must aim to be much more efficient and less time consuming.

Lets set out to improve on our quality, it cannot be the same old story over and over again. We must get better to make things better.

Reference

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 26, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search?q=recruitment%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bpolice%2Bforce%2Bin%2Bjamaica&tbm=isch&chips=q%3Arecruitment%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bpolice%2Bforce%2Bin%2Bjamaica%2Conline_chips%3Auniform%3ASUdJQZZOsZI%3D&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi9pNqL4ubzAhXbG98KHS-QD38Q4lYoBHoECAEQGQ&biw=1519&bih=664#imgrc=krFOlkFJR0nbJM.

[876law-enforcement]

Happenings of the Good Book

With all great nations there are political instability, murder, rape, extortion, among other crimes that are embedded deep in the foundation of everything others see as spectacular but no one sees the invisible. From the beginning of time there has been unscrupulous activities taking place. The poor have been taken advantage of and exploited, the women have been see as inferior and vulnerable and the children have been seen as insignificant. Even in the bible we read of gruesome acts which have lead to the rise and fall of nations and kings. 

There are numerous stories in the bible where crimes were committed but no one was charged. No justice was served in the making. Even the story of Jesus, there was no real charge on Him but the people choose a criminal to be released in of an innocent man. Isn’t this the same that that goes on today? Innocent people being incarcerated for years with no end in sight. ‘

The story of  Absalom and Amnon sons of David found in 2 Samuel 13:1-32 speaks of a crime that was committed and the victim given no justice. The story tells us that Absalom and Amnon had a fairly beautiful sister by the name of Tamar.  Amnon was madly in love with Tamar despite the fact that she is his sister. He raped her eventually and Absalom was made aware if it. Tamar remained in Absalom house hided hereafter. Amnon was not bought to justice for this crime regardless of the fact that King David knew about the assault. Absalom resented his brother for years and did not speak to him from the moment he found out he raped Tamar. Absalom plotted in his head how he would kill Amnon for years. 

His plan was perfected when he set a trap and ordered his servant to kill Amnon.  This was Absalom way of getting revenge for Tamar. In those day there were no police to call or any law enforcement. People live by the rules of the King’s guard and justice was given based on the agreed upon terms of the village, town, city or nation you are apart of. Deem it be a woman was rape and no justice would stand for her. The only thing that would happen is taht shame would come to her and she would be seem as an outcast in society and a woman whose pride has been taken from her. 

If I could have done something is this situation in the name of enforcing the law, I would ensure that Amnon was bought to justice for raping his sister and this would have prevented a murder from taken place. If it was in the day and age, Tamar would have the law to fight for her and still feel empowered as a woman. Rape is damaging and this is something that no one can forget. Even when King David found out about the rape, nothing was done. Absalom was wrong to do what he did as it’s murder but that was the way justice was serve for the violation against his sister. 

Reference 

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 24, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search?q=2%2Bsamuel&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi9-pWJ7eHzAhUASzABHYIlD0QQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1536&bih=664&dpr=1.25#imgrc=vKi2Gg571-_SJM.

[876law-enforcement]

THE POLICE AND THE LACK OF RESOURCE

In the same way that we highlight the police when they are to be blamed for the issues that they are encountering, we must also put some emphasis on the things that are holding them back which are out of their control... Take a few minutes, analyze the situation and you will see clear evidence that the lack of sufficient resources has restricted the effectiveness of our police officers in doing the task that is required of them. 

It is an issue that the face on a daily basis and is as clear as daylight to anyone who cares to pay attention.

A Jamaica Gleaner article from a few years back states that, “Robert Montague, has argued that the police in the parish of St Mary lack adequate resources resulting in numerous crimes going unsolved. Montague said that St Mary’s police stations were in “shambles” while operating with “old broken down vehicles” and are short of basic essentials to operate an office, in addition to needing more police personnel.”

This issue has been a long term problem for our country, evident to all the powers that be. This has caused many to wonder, is this lack of sufficient resources problem an intentional one. 

Are those in charge deliberately withholding the police force, preventing them from being able to operate effectively or is it simply that the country is incapable of funding our security forces with the much needed resources? If so what can or should we do to help with this problem that we are faced with as a country on a whole. 

Remember, the security of our country is everyone’s concern, we must all play a part.

References

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search?q=police%2Bgetting%2Bequipments%2Bin%2B%2Bjamaica&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwivuv3F-9vzAhXGdN8KHayJAtIQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=police%2Bgetting%2Bequipments%2Bin%2B%2Bjamaica&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoICAAQCBAHEB46BQgAEIAEOgYIABAHEB5Qk4UEWOKhBWC9pwVoAHAAeACAAeYBiAG5JJIBBjAuMzguMZgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=1JpxYa-ACMbp_Qask4qQDQ&bih=722&biw=1536&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971#imgrc=2XEyYrrMrqr-dM.

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search?q=damaged%2Bpolice%2Bstations%2Bin%2Bjamaica&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjozbHQ_NvzAhUOVN8KHVCLB8oQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=damaged%2Bpolice%2Bstations%2Bin%2Bjamaica&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoGCAAQBxAeOggIABAHEAUQHjoICAAQCBAHEB46BQgAEIAEUILwAliQ9gNg84AEaABwAHgAgAGgAYgBwhuSAQQwLjMxmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=9ptxYej6F46o_QbQlp7QDA&bih=664&biw=1536&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971#imgrc=g6A9zVw1AwrgUM.

 Limited, J. O. (n.d.). St mary police lack adequate resources -- Montague. Jamaica Observer. Retrieved October 19, 2021, from https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/st-mary-police-lack-adequate-resources----montague.

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search?q=cops%2Bdemands%2Btasers%2Bfor%2Bclashes%2Bwith%2Bmentally%2Bill%2Bjamaica%2Bgleaner%2B&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjujKK0_9vzAhVoh-AKHcsKDBIQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=cops%2Bdemands%2Btasers%2Bfor%2Bclashes%2Bwith%2Bmentally%2Bill%2Bjamaica%2Bgleaner%2B&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1D2MFjUTGCOT2gAcAB4AIAB0AGIAacQkgEGMC4xNy4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=4J5xYe6cLOiOggfLlbCQAQ&bih=664&biw=1536&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971#imgrc=usk-WxJEBe-SOM.

[876law-enforcement]

ISSUE 2- BUILDING TRUST AND LEGITIMACY

BUILDING TRUST AND LEGITIMACY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT 

Law enforcement agencies in Jamaica and the world by extension should employ a culture of accountability and transparency in order to build and maintain public trust. Fighting crime is not a “one man thing” as some would say. It takes a community working together with the police to ensure  the safety of everyone. Having a relationship with the citizen is a very powerful tool which the police must employ if they want to tackle crime. 

When the citizens see you as an enemy instead of a friend, they will not want to help in any way or form. Having consistent and high quality services within communities will allow for citizens to not only see the police as reliable but an agent that cares about their safety and wellbeing. 

Police legitimacy is the belief that the police should be allowed to exercise the authority invested to them in order to maintain social order, conflict resolution and solving different problems in the community. “ A growing body of research indicates that when police are viewed as respectful, concerned, and possessing legitimate authority, citizens are more likely to hold favorable attitudes toward police and comply with the law”. We must ask your selves the question, can’t this authority lead to someone else? Come on lets put on our thinking caps here!

Having a relationship with citizens is very important for police in fighting crime. In today’s society, the crime rate is the winning agent with little or no light at the end of the tunnel.  Whatever strategies will help is an asset right now thus we must push for citizens to relate to the police instead of living in fear and allowing our country to spiral out of control by criminal elements. 

Lets work on Building a citizen police relationship as this will help in combatting crime, law abidingness, and allow for the acceptance of police by citizens. 

References 

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search?q=uk%2Bpolice%2Bcitizen%2Brelationship%2Bin%2Bjamaica&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwidiLb90tDzAhWhRjABHQ6jBKwQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1536&bih=722&dpr=1.25#imgrc=Ei5lITQDTDsONM.

Google. (n.d.). Google search. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://www.google.com/search?q=building%2Btrust%2Band%2Blegitimacy%2Bin%2Blaw%2Benforcement&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwitve3cydDzAhWxTjABHcqZACEQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1536&bih=722&dpr=1.25#imgrc=CsoaXqExYNvQfM.

City of Plymouth, MN. Pillar 1: Building Trust & Legitimacy | City of Plymouth, MN. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://www.plymouthmn.gov/departments/public-safety/police-/21st-century-policing/pillar-1?locale=en.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUE 1

CORRUPTION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT 

Throughout Jamaica we have seen, heard and many of us have even experienced corruption. Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense which is undertaken by a person or an organization which is entrusted with a position of authority, in order to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for one's private gain.  This has become a norm in our society and so many times it is overlooked.  But should this continue for generations to come?? Should corruption continue to plague our justice system?? Should it be ok for police to use their discretion and accept monetary gains or favors instead of writing a traffic ticket or brining criminals to justice??? 

The Jamaica Gleaner has reported that “The Major General Antony Anderson-led Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has come out tops as the most corrupt entity in the criminal justice system in the eyes of Jamaicans”. Within a survey that was done in 2019, Jamaicans labelled the JCF as the most corrupted entity in Law Enforcement. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica have reported numerous department with very high percentages of corruption. 

Please refer to article: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20210312/cops-most-corrupt-say-jamaicans

Even our entertainers have often times highlighted this issue. Big up to Queen Ifrica!!!! This song is very much highlighting our situation in Jamaica. Respect Empress!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmLNALxoriE

Confidence in law enforcement- our police, soldiers, justice system is crucial in all societies and without this, we are bound for destruction. 

We all have to play our part in riding our Jamaica of this pestilence that is feeding on our population and stifling our growth as a nation. In order to rid corruption from the root, in starts with each and every citizen. 

Lets take these steps to tackle corruption:

* Empower citizens- Strengthening citizens demand for anti-corruption and empowering them to hold government accountable is a sustainable approach that helps to build mutual trust between citizens and government.

* Close all loopholes in law enforcement- ensuring that all feeding avenues are close in order to tackle this plague. 

*  Promoting transparency and access to information- Countries successful at curbing corruption have a long tradition of government openness, freedom of the press, transparency and access to information. Let us ask our selves this Question- Does Jamaica law enforcement promote transparency and access to information? 

*  Ending impunity-Effective law enforcement is essential to ensure the corrupt are punished and break the cycle of impunity, or freedom from punishment or loss. 

My fellow citizens let us stand up for justice and put hands and hearts together as we try and make our country a better place for our children to thrive and grow. 

[876law-enforcement]

Intro: Who and Why

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My name is Tee Jae Whyte, i am a student of the Northern Caribbean University currently studying Criminal Justice. As a citizen of this beautiful island, ‘Jamaica land we love’, i can unfortunately say that it does not require special eyes or ask of one to look long and hard to identify that we are currently fighting a crime control struggle. A struggle in which we are failing miserably. This adversary has been running rampant and has proven itself to be more than the law enforcement agents of our society can manage.

Without a doubt some of the blame has to be laid at the feet of the law enforcement authorities. Many of the issues that law enforcement face can be considered as self inflicted but we must also agree that some of these issues are out of there hands and did not come about by their doing.

Jamaica and its people mean the world to me and I hope it does for you too. Therefore, I encourage you all to let us help by trying to play our part.

 Tell a friend to tell a friend to tell a friend!!

My intensions are to utilize this platform to the best of my ability to highlight some of these issues that our law enforcement agencies are encountering which are hindering them from being much more effective and able to operate in the best interest of the people and the country at large.

Come and let us put hands, hearts and minds together to bring more awareness to help influence a change for the betterment of law enforcement which will help to propel our sunshine country towards becoming a much better place for us and generations to come.

Reference

https://www.google.com/search?q=jamaica%20law%20enforcement&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CYCAjXrUw66IYf_1MvXP4vuiYsgIGCgIIABAA&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CBsQuIIBahcKEwiIuqOQ-8TzAhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQBw&biw=1519&bih=722#imgrc=KzgAu0R7Z-gJEM

https://www.google.com/search?q=changes+in+law+enforcement+in+jamaica&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiP6ZC-iMXzAhUEMd8KHXocC98Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=changes+in+law+enforcement+in+jamaica&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoECAAQGFDtiwFY_KcBYNSuAWgAcAB4AIABZYgB7geSAQQxMC4xmAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=Y5llYc-rFYTi_Ab6uKz4DQ&bih=722&biw=1536&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS971US971#imgrc=8RG4SIR0eY21oM