Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin resigned recently, leaving the post of head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force vacant. – File
If you have the requisite qualifications, you have until December 31 to apply for the post of police commissioner, a position which involves leadership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the team of policemen and women responsible for crime fighting and law enforcement in the island.
As advertised on Sunday, December 6, in the newspapers and also on several Internet sites including www.jamaican police.com and www.jis.gov.jm, the Police Services Commission is seeking to identify a suitably qualified candidate within or outside the JCF to fill the post.
The official will be expected to have overall command of the force and such duties as set out in the Constabulary Force Act and other related regulations.
administrative head
With a primary responsibility of reducing crime levels, he or she will also be administrative head of 45 organisational units within the JCF. These include the Bureau of Special Investigations, the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse, the Marine Division, Narcotics, the Special Anti Crime Task Force, Motorised Patrol and others.
He or she will be expected to ensure that the responsibilities of the JCF are executed, including maintenance of law and order, prevention and detection of crime, the protection of life and property, investigation of alleged crimes and the enforcement of all criminal laws.
The commissioner will also provide the commission, parliamentary committees, and any other body of authority, required reports on the operational command and superintendence of the Force.
Remuneration for the job of police commissioner will be in line with public-sector scales for the government of Jamaica.
Applicants are expected to be familiar with the police service regulations (1961), which describes the operation of the commission.
The regulations also speak to the qualifications for promotion of policemen and women in the force who are interested in a new appointment or promotion.
According to these regulations, those considered for posts will present educational qualifications, experience and facts indicating merit, ability and good conduct.
The regulations note that "manifested superior intelligence and efficiency in the performance of functions" can override the qualifications of general fitness and seniority.
If you have the requisite skills you should send a letter of application outlining your previous experience as well as a detailed resume, to commissioner@osc.gov.jm
Avia.collinder@gleanerjm.com
For police personnel interested in the post, factors to be taken into consideration include:
General fitness
Seniority
Basic and special educational qualifications
Special courses of training
Markings and comments in confidential reports by any supervising officer
Any letter of commendation in respect of any special work done
The duties of which he or she has had knowledge or experience
The duties of the post of which he or she is a candidate
Previous employment in the public service, the force or otherwise
Any special reports for which appointing officers might call.