Westmoreland Police Begin Training to Improve Public Trust and Professional Standards

Police in Westmoreland have started a parishwide development programme for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), aimed at improving the way officers deal with the public.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jordaine Allen, the division’s Operations Officer, announced the initiative at the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in Savanna-la-Mar on May 14.

According to DSP Allen, the sessions began on Monday, May 18, and are centred on proper professional behaviour, integrity in service, and stronger day-to-day contact between police and citizens.

He said the programme is part of continuing work inside the division to ensure that members of the force keep the expected standards while carrying out their duties. “As an organisation, we stand on the motto of professionalism. Even the Commissioner of Police did highlight in the Force Orders in the past weeks, how we want our officers to operate and to treat members of the public in a professional manner,” DSP Allen said.

The senior officer noted that personnel are consistently guided through briefings, station lectures and internal meetings on the need to act with respect and honesty. “We continue to ensure that during briefings, station lectures and meetings, we instruct the police officers to be professional, ethical and corrupt-free in their actions,” he added.

DSP Allen also pointed to the Police Public Interaction Policy, saying it provides direction on how members of the force should communicate and behave when dealing with the public. “We will reiterate these points to them to ensure that they treat members of the public with utmost respect and professionalism,” he said.

He said the division would welcome help from stakeholders and professionals who are prepared to contribute to the training effort. DSP Allen stressed that professional service remains a major focus for Westmoreland police as they work to deepen public confidence and maintain good relations with communities.

Respectful treatment of citizens, he said, is essential to effective policing and better cooperation from residents. He also reaffirmed the division’s commitment to accountability and high-quality service.