- Norman GrindleyCorporal Lucille Adams, sitting over a stack of examination papers, which were completed by applicants who sat the written examination.
Erica Virtue, Staff Reporter
A NUMBER of women who turned up at recruitment centres to
become members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have been rejected because they are mothers.
The Police Force is short of personnel and has started an advertising blitz to attract some 1,000 in 18 months. More women than men have responded to those advertisements, but the women are turned down even though they are more qualified than some of the men who are also seeking to join the force.
Senior Superintendent Mary Royes-Henry, at the Jamaica Police Academy, in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, confirmed that a significant number of women have been turned away because they are mothers.
"Many women are coming in with many children. They are not able to to tell us who is going to look after their children while they are in training," she said Thursday in an interview.
According to her, "The women were also more qualified and we need them just like the men. But we must be concerned about their social situation. If we are not satisfied that their children will be properly looked after, we cannot take them even if they are more qualified. We are not discriminating, but we have to be practical."
On a visit to the Recruiting Centre, Downtown Kingston, last week, 31 applicants were sitting the written examination. Of that number there were at least 14 males. Corporal Lucille Adams, who supervised the examination said that the centre recorded its largest number of applicants on Tuesday February 11.
"Sixty-nine persons sat the examination," she said.
Asked for a gender breakdown, she said, there were 28 males and 41 females. One male did not sit the examination and of the 27 who sat, 10 were successful and 13 of the 41 females. Another 13 females fell below the required height of five feet six inches.
Corporal Adams said applicants are given the results of the examination the same day.
When The Sunday Gleaner visited Thursday, applicants were in the middle of the spelling component of the written examination. Words given, were those they would be asked to write in their day to day duties.
Corporal Adams said an average of 30 persons have been sitting the examination daily since the programme has been advertised and their enthusiasm evident.
"I want to be part of those who make the effort to save this country from gunmen and those who dress up in jacket and tie, but who are no better than the gunmen. The job would not be easy. I know that, but I can make a difference," a female applicant told The Sunday Gleaner.
Another applicant, who was turned away because he showed up in jeans, said he would be back Friday to sit the examination.
"I think the country needs young people who are positive, who want to put out an effort to achieve, and who are not just willing to dream," he said.
Recruitment is currently under way in Kingston, Montego Bay, Mandeville and Annotto Bay. Individuals from all parishes are welcomed, but the investigations into their backgrounds will be sent to the parish where the person resides.
