SENIOR MEMBERS of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Gilbert Scott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, are scheduled to meet today to discuss procedures for the JCF's recruiting blitz which hopes to net 1,500 new members in 18 months.
In a nationally televised address a week ago, National Security Minister, Peter Phillips, said it was critical that the JCF's staff complement be bolstered to fight Jamaica's increasingly sophisticated gangs, many of which operate in some of the country's toughest communities. He said that with 1,500 new members, the JCF's ranks would swell to 10,000, making it more efficient.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent, who is in charge of the administrative and support services of the JCF, told The Gleaner last week that the recruiting campaign would be aggressive.
"We plan to go to the public and go into schools on career days to talk to students about having a career as a police. We hope to see an influx of persons," said DCP Bent.
She noted although the JCF is "continuously recruiting" personnel to its ranks, the recent announcement by the National Security Minister to strengthen the force's numbers makes this process even more important.
Requirements to join the Jamaica Constabulary Force
-Height: five feet seven inches (male), five feet five inches (female)
-Weight: 130 pounds (male), 125 pounds (female) minimum
-Education: Minimum three CXC or GCE O Level passes
-Applicants should be of sound mind, have a good medical record and no criminal record.
-Two recent recommendations from either a minister of religion, a Justice of the Peace or a police officer not below the rank of Inspector.
- H.C.
