Prime Minister Holness Charges New Police Men and Women to Wear the Uniform with Pride, Reject Corruption, and Uphold the Highest Standards of Honour
Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has charged the newly graduated police men and women to wear the uniform of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with pride, integrity, and deep respect, while firmly rejecting corruption and conduct that undermines public trust.
Speaking yesterday at the Passing-Out Parade and Awards Ceremony for Trainee Constables of Batches 161 and 162, Prime Minister Holness underscored that while the uniform carries legal authority, true authority is earned through values, discipline, and honourable conduct.
“The uniform you wear represents authority. But it is not the uniform, the gun, or the technology that gives you authority. It is the values that you embody and represent,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister cautioned officers against seeking respect through fear or popularity, emphasizing that Jamaicans will judge the police not by symbols of power, but by how officers treat people in their daily interactions. He pointed out that every officer, regardless of rank or assignment, carries a responsibility to family, community, and country to serve as an example.
Importantly, Dr. Holness also urged the graduates to reject corruption and improper conduct within the Force and said that they should aspire to the highest standards even when societal norms or expectations may suggest otherwise.
“You must reject corruption in all forms, and you must represent the JCF with honour. People must see integrity reflected in your choices. Jamaica does not need officers who follow the crowd. It needs officers who lead quietly, consistently, and by example.”
He further emphasized that police officers represent both the JCF and the authority of the State itself and must therefore treat every Jamaican, whether rich or poor, powerful or vulnerable, with dignity, fairness, and respect for human rights.
“A modern police force embodies restraint where necessary, empathy where appropriate, firmness when essential, and fairness at all times. You must protect life, property, and liberty, and you must do so with equal vigilance for all. A Jamaica that is safe but unjust is not the Jamaica we seek, and justice without security cannot flourish.”
Prime Minister Holness reminded the new constables that their oath marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to honourable service and that the true measure of their careers will be found in the trust they build, the conflicts they defuse, and the communities that thrive because of their conduct.
“You are ambassadors for the new Jamaica. Wear your uniform proudly. Embody the values you were taught. We are depending on you.”