Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has issued a stern warning to officers that internal misconduct risks undermining the organization’s recent progress and eroding public trust. In his weekly Force Orders column, Blake identified self-inflicted challenges as the primary threat to police integrity, particularly referencing the ongoing leadership crisis within the Police Officers Association (POA).
The commissioner’s comments follow criminal charges against POA Head Senior Superintendent Wayne Cameron, who faces five counts of fraudulent conversion and six counts of larceny as a servant for allegedly misappropriating association funds. This development occurs simultaneously with a legal battle concerning Cameron’s continued leadership of the organization.
Blake acknowledged previously constrained ability to address the matter publicly but emphasized that maintaining silence was no longer tenable given the seriousness of the credibility issues. “I would have been negligent to knowingly allow this to continue because of the fear of backlash and disapproval,” Blake stated, highlighting the complex balance between public expectations, internal procedures, and leadership demands.
The commissioner framed the situation as an organizational integrity crisis rather than merely individual misconduct, asserting that internal breaches pose greater danger to JCF’s advancement than external criticism. “These self-inflicted wounds provide the greatest risk of distraction and disappointment,” Blake wrote, noting they divert attention from ongoing operational and reform initiatives.
Addressing criticism of his handling of the POA controversy, Blake established unequivocal standards for leadership within the force: “There is absolutely no place in representation for persons who lack integrity, discipline, credibility, and honesty.” He particularly criticized those seeking leadership roles for self-preservation rather than organizational interest, declaring such individuals “better off staying away from leadership positions.”
Blake acknowledged his decisions sparked significant public debate and attribution of unpleasant motives but maintained that leadership requires making difficult decisions regardless of popularity. He concluded by urging JCF members to maintain discipline and focus, emphasizing that institutional credibility ultimately depends on individual conduct and that leadership should never serve as a platform for self-interest or grandstanding.