Dept of Correctional Services welcomes 87 new officers

Eighty-seven recruits have joined the ranks of the Department of Correctional Services following Friday’s Passing-out Parade for the 87th Intake of Correctional Officers at the United Pentecostal Church of Jamaica Camp Site.

The intake began training on June 9 at Camp Don in St Mary with 94 recruits – 28 women and 66 men – as the 86th Intake completed its programme at the Carl Rattray Staff College. After 22 weeks of training, 87 recruits, including 27 women and 60 men, successfully graduated.

The three-phase programme covered correctional operations, discipline and professional standards. Recruits completed mandatory modules in operational, legal, interpersonal and safety-related areas.

Delivering remarks, Chief Judge of the Parish Courts Chester Crooks congratulated the graduates for their resilience, professionalism and commitment to national service. He emphasised that correctional work is “not merely a job, but a calling requiring courage, discipline and humanity”.

Crooks underscored the importance of integrity, recounting an incident where an officer refused a bribe from an inmate seeking to smuggle a prohibited item. The officer later explained: “Because the key I hold is not just for a cell. It is for justice.”

He urged graduates to let the acronym IMPACT – Integrity, Mental Spirit, Professionalism, Accountability, Compassion and Teamwork – guide their conduct.

Twelve recruits received awards for outstanding performance in areas including discipline, first aid, military drill, ethics and academics. Tajay Williams was named top all-round recruit and earned the leadership award, while Monique Mason was recognised as runner-up top recruit.