Glenroy Sinclair, Senior Crime Reporter

THOMAS

On top of Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas' wish list to improve the crime-fighting techniques of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) by early next year, is a massive plan to expand the Jamaica Police Academy at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.

"I am encouraged by the gains made at the Jamaica Police Academy (JPA) with the recent construction of the Tactical Training Village and the improvement in the syllabus of recruits to include our stated policy of community policing, the use of force policy and human rights policy and psychology," the Commissioner told The Gleaner recently.

But, he explained that in order to further improve standards, the JPA's expansion must come with the latest training equipment, technology and material.

Pointing to resources, the Commissioner said the shortage of manpower was impacting negatively on the JCF.

"It is our belief and it is the stated goal of the government to increase the establishment of the JCF to approximately 12,000 to adequately provide for the citizens of Jamaica," said Mr. Thomas.

The current establishment is just over 8,500 and the proposed increase to 12,000 will require a significant inflow of capital at the Twickenham Park training facility.

Said Thomas: "We welcome this reinforcement of our ranks and we look forward to producing the modern police officer of the 21st century. In addition to increasing our numbers, we are constantly striving to improve our working environment to enhance the comfort, health, safety, and security of our policemen and women."

Speaking at the official hand over ceremony of the construction of two classrooms by Life of Jamaica Insurance Company, National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, announced that that the entry requirements for constables are being upgraded, while the curriculum for basic recruit training is being revised.