JCF sharpens focus on student safety ahead of new school year

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With thousands of students set to return to the classroom, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it is stepping up preparations to ensure the new school year gets off to a safe start.

According to the JCF, readiness is not simply about putting more police at school gates. It is about knowing where the risks are, identifying vulnerable students early and having the right partnerships in place to intervene before problems escalate.

That approach was highlighted on the Force for Good Podcast, where National Safe Schools Coordinator, Sergeant Andrew Williams, and St Catherine North Community Safety and Security Branch Sub-officer in Charge, Sergeant Kester Fennel, outlined how school resource officers (SROs) are preparing for the new term.