Commissioner Blake Says JCF Must Still Tackle Misconduct and Indiscipline

Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake has said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) still contends with misconduct, non-compliance and indiscipline, even as the organisation records notable gains in strengthening its systems and lifting professional standards.

In a recent Commissioner's Corner column, Blake said openly confronting those weaknesses is vital to shaping a modern, accountable police service. He argued that real progress only happens when institutions admit where they fall short instead of looking the other way.

"The truth is that despite our achievements, we continue to encounter instances of non-conformity, non-compliance, indiscipline, and at times, conduct that falls below the professional standards expected of members of this organisation. We must be mature enough to acknowledge that reality," he said.

The commissioner's remarks come as the force broadens its quality management framework under the internationally recognised ISO 9001 standard. Several formations are now subject to annual surveillance audits, while eight others are being evaluated for first-time certification.

Dr Blake said upholding professional standards takes more than setting targets on paper. It requires robust systems that can detect gaps, enforce accountability and push steady improvement throughout the force.

He noted that a body as large and complex as the JCF cannot reasonably expect to erase every internal problem. Excellence, he stressed, lies in how quickly and effectively the organisation acts once issues come to light.

The commissioner also said non-conformity findings from external audits should not be treated as failures alone. They should be seen as openings to tighten systems and raise overall performance.

Blake further warned against complacency, saying recent successes must not convince members that the work is finished. Lasting gains, he said, depend on discipline, stronger accountability and ongoing refinement of the systems that underpin policing.

Addressing members directly, Blake said the modern JCF rests on professionalism, accountability and continuous improvement, and he urged officers to uphold those principles.

"We are building an organisation grounded in professionalism, systems, accountability, and continuous improvement. Every member has a choice: To contribute to that vision or to become increasingly out of step with it," Blake said.