Police explain rules for assigning close protection officers

The Jamaica Constabulary Force has issued a media release spelling out how close protection officers are posted and what justifies those postings.

Officers in that role are specially trained personnel attached to the Protective Services Division. That unit decides who receives dedicated protection when a person’s post, work, or situation calls for it. The Force stressed that such cover is not granted as a matter of course.

“Constitutional and public offices attract close protection by virtue of the office itself. Where an individual does not automatically qualify for close protection, a comprehensive threat and risk assessment is conducted, based on a range of factors. The findings are documented and form the basis upon which a determination is made,” the JCF said.

Ministers now in office receive close protection officers because of the posts they occupy and the duties tied to their portfolios. For members of parliament who previously served as ministers, any ongoing arrangement depends on the same threat and risk review process, according to the statement.

“In the case of members of parliament who are former government ministers, the continuation of any close protection arrangement is determined through the established threat and risk assessment process,” the statement read. “Where an assessment indicates that the level of risk no longer warrants dedicated close protection, alternative security measures may be considered where appropriate.”

The Force said assignments are not made without cause. Because the work is specialised and staffing is limited, each posting must rest on a clear security requirement. “The Force therefore has a responsibility to ensure that these limited resources are deployed where they are most required.”