Jamaica’s Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), in collaboration with UNICEF, has conducted a comprehensive two-day training initiative focused on enhancing child justice protocols within the nation’s law enforcement and judicial systems. The specialized seminar, held at Moon Palace hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, brought together 76 police officers and numerous justices of the peace from across the island to reinforce proper procedures for handling cases involving minors.
Acting Commissioner of Police McArthur Sutherland, overseeing the Area Two police division, emphasized the critical timing of this refresher course for Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members. He noted that while officers previously received training on children’s issues, daily policing priorities often shift focus toward severe crimes like murders and shootings. “This training will help to pull on some of the minor crimes against children and ensure we have some reductions there,” Sutherland explained, highlighting how the program would rebalance enforcement attention toward protecting vulnerable youth.
Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison articulated the seminar’s broader societal mission, stating, “No child was born a criminal or murderer—it is the environment that creates the monster.” She stressed the importance of early intervention to redirect children from criminal pathways, warning that without proper guidance, neglected youth could evolve into serious offenders. The training specifically addressed methods to reduce criminogenic behavior and attitudes among young people, aiming to prevent the development of senior criminals.
Justices of the peace participating in the event expressed strong support for the initiative. Trudy-Ann Philp from Highgate, St Mary, described the seminar as “very beneficial” for enhancing her competency in legal procedures when serving at police stations. Omar Bourne from Kingston applauded the OCA’s efforts and advocated for ongoing educational opportunities to expand expertise among law enforcement and judicial officials.
The partnership between OCA and UNICEF represents a significant investment in Jamaica’s future social stability. Gordon Harrison concluded by emphasizing collective responsibility: “The OCA alone cannot do it—we see it as a participatory effort that all stakeholders in the justice sector must play a part in.” This training initiative marks a proactive approach to child justice reform, recognizing that proper handling of youth cases requires specialized knowledge and coordinated effort across multiple disciplines within the justice system.