The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has undergone a significant transformation in its training curriculum for recruits, a change that reflects a growing recognition of the complex challenges posed by an evolving climate, both environmental and societal.
According to the JCF, the revamped curriculum is not just an upgrade; it’s a foundational shift aimed at addressing gaps from previous training models. The new program, aligned with both local and international educational standards, focuses on transformational learning and the competencies necessary for modern policing.
In addition to general police training, the new curriculum will also serve as a precursor to the young officers obtaining an Associate of Science Degree or an Advanced Diploma in Law Enforcement and general policing, the JCF has noted.
Last month, the National Police College of Jamaica (NPCJ) became one of 34 police training academies to be awarded the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training accreditation. More than 300 academies exist worldwide.
Assistant Police Commissioner Merrick Watson, commandant at the NPCJ, said the new curriculum was designed based on the standards of the University Council of Jamaica, the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education, and global police training standards stipulated by the International Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
It was rolled out earlier this month, and is aimed at plugging certain gaps that existed in the educational template of former years, said Watson.
The focus is transformational learning
“The previous curriculum was built on the topic-centered training model. While it reflected three phases of training – initial, intermediate, and internship – it fostered a paramilitary and didactic delivery style that did not fully support experiential learning, deeper learning, and adult learning,”
Watson said, noting that the focus is transformational learning and JCF capacity building.
Three strategies were used to address these gaps. There was a revision of the curriculum to make it more job-task analysis and competency-based driven. It was aligned to global standards in police education and training, and we also started training our instructors in andragogy, critical thinking, transformational learning, and law enforcement instructions and delivery.”
