Why PCOA fit-for-duty tackling JCF Criminality means better Relations and Police in the gym

“As a result, we are currently engaged in a comprehensive thematic review on this subject, which we will complete within the first half of 2016. Thereafter, as is our methodology, we intend to engage the leadership and, most importantly, the rank and file of the JCF on this critically important subject. Having in place a comprehensive fit-for-duty policy is not in itself a panacea which will cure all the ills in the JCF”

CEO of PCOA Dave McIntosh commenting on his recommendation in his October to December 2015 quarterly newsletter for a fit-for-duty testing for Jamaican Police

Member of the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) aka the Jamaican Police might soon have to start hitting the Gym.

This as a suggestion is being floated by the PCOA (Police Civilian Oversight Authority) that if actioned, will require that they be fit-for-duty as reported in the article “'Fit-for-duty' policy proposed for cops”, published Friday January 22, 2016 by Edmond Campbell, The Jamaica Gleaner.

 

The suggestion comes from CEO of PCOA Dave McIntosh, who is in charge of a body I never even knew existed. As a quick background the PCOA was established by the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall in August 21, 2006 to manage the resources of the Jamaican Police and related bodies as reported in the article “Governor-General Appoints Police (Civilian Oversight) Authority”, published by September 1, 2006, The Jamaica Information Service. 

However, this makes his proposal, published in their October to December 2015 quarterly newsletter, all the more interesting as he presents a fresh perspective on the much maligned Jamaican Police.

In a nutshell he's basically proposing that even long after graduating from the Police Academy, Jamaican Police will have to pass a fit-for-duty test in order to remain in the force. The CEO of PCOA Dave McIntosh acknowledged MOCA (Major Organised Crime Anti-Corruption Agency) and other internal agencies of the force who had been working aggressively to curb criminality within the JCF.

He's referring to reports of the Jamaican Police being involved in criminal activity such as:

1.      Robberies

2.      Kidnapping

3.      Attempts to export ganja

4.      Murder-suicides

He pointed out that more needed to be done before problems occur, rather than after, quote: “Whereas these initiatives may be good first steps, to us in civilian oversight they seem fragmented, lacking comprehensive all-encompassing promulgation from the top of the organisation. Additionally, they seem to be geared toward dealing with the problem 'after the fact' or otherwise, after irreversible damage has been done to lives and the image of the JCF”.

So what exactly would this fit-for-duty test entail?

PCOA proposes fit-for-duty testing - Jamaican Police better when mentally and physically fit

This fit-for-duty test would be aimed to do the following:

1.      Signs of criminal and errant behaviour 

2.      Minimize impact of depression and other psychological problems

Specifically the members of the JCF would under the following tests as part of this fit-for-duty test:

1.      Security vetting 

2.      Basic fitness test

3.      Psychometric tests

The Psychometric tests are clearly aimed at testing for these psychological problems that may manifest as:

1.      Uncontrolled anger

2.      Aggression

3.      Stress

4.      Susceptibility to being bribed

5.      Depression

Clearly, the PCOA is stating that Jamaican Police perform better when mentally and physically fit.  

 

Hopefully, this will also include a program of healthy eating and free gym membership as many Jamaican Police are physically unfit due to eating fast food, canned foods as well as packaged snacks high in refined carbohydrates, fats and salt as explained in my blog article entitled “How UNFAO and IICA Reports indicate that Wealthy Jamaicans are malnourished”. 

So why exactly is this needed in Jamaica at this time?

PCOA fit-for-duty to address Police criminality - Communities to benefit from improved relations and fitter police

The PCOA is concerned about the high number of Jamaica Police involved in criminal activity such as:

1.      Robberies

2.      Kidnapping

3.      Attempts to export ganja

4.      Murder-suicides

Many have been involved in Shoot-outs with other JCF members, an indication of the lack of respect for Law and order. Murder-suicides, however, capture the attention of the PCOA, as they affect the JCF more deeply, especially as the reason may be unknown.

 

Still there are doubters such as retired professor of criminology Bernard Headley who claims that the fit-for-duty testing would take second fiddle to extra-judicial killings, lack of equiptment and other policing problem, quote: “Right now, I think the Jamaican public is more concerned with institutional issues and problems relative to the larger society and its relationship with the JCF primarily: Police corruption, police impunity, and the bad to hostile relationships, and institutional distrust, between the police, citizens and entire communities”.

To me, as a civilian who lives in the Swallowfield area, I’m hoping that fit-for-duty testing is implemented, as it could potential improve relations between the community and the Swallowfield Police while improving the mental and physical health of the Jamaican Police.

 

This would mean more community policing to connect with people instead of walking around, brandishing guns to deal with their relational issues with inner city communities like Swallowfield and Mountain View. There would also by more support from the Jamaican Police for sports initiatives and events in a bid to build bridges with the members of the inner city, such as people living in Swallowfield and Mountain View.

In the long run, if a fit-for-duty testing were implemented then the Jamaica Police would have to basically remain both physically and mentally fit to remain in the Force. Not to mention the Government of Jamaica having to give the JCF members gym membership as well as forcing all Jamaican Police to eat from a common canteen that serves health food, free of cost!

Getting the Jamaican Police to actually fit into their uniform will be the norm, as many of them are a bit overweight!