Jamaica Constabulary Force
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is the police force of the island nation of Jamaica. The police force has manpower of approximately 8,000. The current commissioner is Lucius A. Thomas of Saint Ann. In early 2005, politician Edward Seaga called for the merger of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the country's military, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). This has not garnered any support among government officials, however.
Approximately 49 police officers have been killed in the line of duty since 2002.
[edit] History
The history of police in Jamaica begins in the year 1716 when Night watchmen were appointed to serve the cities of Port Royal, Kingston, and the parishes of Saint Catherine and Saint Andrew. In 1832, the first attempt to establish a permanent police force began. William Ramsay was appointed Inspector General of the police force in 1835. This police force of sorts continued service until the year 1865, which was the year the Morant Bay Rebellion took place. This rebellion showed the vulnerability of peace and law on Jamaica, and caused the establishment of a new, improved police force, called the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The Force began operation with 984 members under the management of an Inspector General appointed by the British Governor to the island. This new police force continues to carry out police duties to present-day.
[edit] Badges of the ranks
There are 12 ranks in the JCF. They are (In order of highest to lowest):
- Commissioner (Lucius A. Thomas as of January 2005; One laurel wreath and one crown on each shoulder strap)
- Deputy Commissioner (One laurel wreath and two stars on each shoulder strap)
- Assistant Commissioner (One laurel wreath on each shoulder strap)
- Senior Superintendent (One crown and one star on each shoulder strap)
- Superintendent (One crown on each shoulder strap)
- Deputy Superintendent (Three stars on each shoulder strap)
- Assistant Superintendent (Two stars on each shoulder strap)
- Inspector (Two metal bars on each shoulder strap)
- Sergeant (Three chevrons on right sleeve)
- Corporal (Two chevrons on right sleeve)
- Constable (No badge assigned)
