Against the backdrop of recurring confrontations between police and civilians, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has directed the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to develop and implement a public education campaign promoting proper conduct and mutual respect during interactions between cops and residents.

Holness was speaking at the graduation ceremony for the 91st Staff & Junior Command Courses at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St Catherine last Friday. He said the education campaign would likely span two to three years to address the growing number of sour encounters between law enforcers and the public which, he noted, were often captured and circulated online.

“I have seen it so often. It is shared on social media. It makes the country look bad. Damaging to our image. It is now time that the JCF develops and deploys — along with other stakeholders — a national public education campaign.