Despite concerns about security risks, senior members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have defended their decision to showcase aspects of the organization’s crime-fighting technology at the recent Transformation Expo. They maintain that the move was strategically planned and does not compromise sensitive operations or provide criminals with any tactical edge.
Transparency Over Secrecy
Speaking with JIS News, representatives from the JCF emphasized that the goal was to strengthen public trust, not to expose confidential strategies. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gary Francis, who heads the Police Emergency Communication Centre, acknowledged that concerns about criminals adapting to new information are valid. However, he believes the broader goal of public engagement takes precedence.
“We are living in a world of information, so persons can get ideas from just a touch of a button,” Francis explained. “The truth is that we have a citizenry who we believe have the right to be aware of the capabilities – not in all aspects – but know what our police is capable [of] to do in service and protection.”
He added that while there’s always a chance someone could misuse what is shared, the benefits far outweigh the risks. “We believe that what was shared has far more positive impact on our citizens than those persons who want to be deviants… and in addition to that, we also have a plan to treat with those if and when they decide to go on that side,” he said.
Strategic Disclosures Only
SSP Eron Samuels, the Commanding Officer for St. James, reinforced the point that the JCF was deliberate in deciding what to reveal. According to him, only technology meant for public understanding was included in the display.
“Even though we showcased a lot of the technology, not everything was put on display. There are some things that are on a need-to-know basis,” he said. “What we are more interested in showing is the everyday interaction—what persons see and wonder what we are doing.”
He pointed to areas like crime scene processing and evidence gathering as examples of often misunderstood police work. “When there’s a crime scene, and the scene of crime take these pictures… the process that takes place…it’s more of showcasing and having persons understand the day-to-day runnings. But in terms of the intricate technology, the deep stuff, not everything was shown,” Samuels added.
Bridging the Gap Between Expectation and Reality
SSP Stephanie Lindsay, who leads the Constabulary Communications Network, also weighed in on the JCF’s objectives. She said the Expo was designed to raise public confidence and give citizens a realistic understanding of modern policing in Jamaica.
“One of the objectives of the Transformation Expo was to really give people confidence in the Force,” Lindsay stated. “We want people to see the JCF and understand that some things that they see in ‘CSI (Crime Scene Investigation)’ that they believe are far-fetched, we are already using those things in the JCF.”
Lindsay acknowledged that people’s expectations are often shaped by television dramas, where complex cases are solved in under two hours. She said the Transformation Expo gave people insight into the real methods and tools officers use every day.
“When people see an episode of CSI and it’s done in 90 minutes, that’s an episode. Giving them an understanding of how we use the technology and the sciences and the different skills, they will now have an appreciation of what goes into an investigation,” she explained.
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