In June of 2018, Minister of National Security Hon. Dr. Horace Chang announced in Gordon House
that the drafting of legislation to introduce a new police service was far advanced and was slated for
tabling in Parliament that legislative year. The proposal was said to be underpinned by the
constitutional protection afforded to the Police Service Commission and according to the Minister
“establishing a robust account-ability framework, enhanced capacity building, culture change and
improvements in the standards of service delivery” within the JCF.
In the Governor General’s throne speech of 2019, the Ministry of National Security highlighted the
intention to table several pieces of reform-focused legislation and policy.
 Firstly, “The Police Act”, which according to the speech was ready for approval by the
Cabinet and would “provide for the modernisation and transformation of the Jamaica
Constabulary Force”.
 Secondly, the “National Security Council Act” to provide for the establishment in law of a
National Security Council in law.
 Finally, there was to be a merger of the Police Services Commission and the Police Civilian
Oversight Authority to facilitate the development of one oversight body responsible for the
monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the Police.
None of the mentioned pieces of legislation were tabled that year nor in any subsequent legislative
year and has been absent from all subsequent throne speeches. In 2020 Minister of National
Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, stated that the merger of the Police Civilian Oversight Authority
(PCOA) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) remained a priority.
With alarming comments encouraging officers to take extrajudicial action in response to severe
crime, and a new commissioner taking the helm, where are we in the implementation of promised
reforms?
To discuss these issues, we are joined by:
Professor Anthony Clayton - Crime and National Security Expert
Horace Levy – Social Justice Advocate
2nd April 2024

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