Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, is issuing an invitation to the members of the Special Constabulary Force Association (SCFA) to meet with him to discuss remaining concerns that they may have about the Government’s decision to incorporate the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) into the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The Minister’s invitation has come in the wake of yesterday’s ruling in the Supreme Court in which the Court struck out an order granting leave for the SCFA to have the decision to incorporate the ISCF into the JCF reviewed by the Judicial Review Court.

On April 7, the Commissioner of Police, acting on the February 24, 2014 decision of the Cabinet that the Forces be merged, began issuing letters of re-assignment to members of the ISCF. 

The re-assignments were to come in effect yesterday, May 1. 

However, on April 11, following a ruling of the Supreme Court, the Minister of National Security announced that the re-assignments of the members of the ISCF may be deferred. 

Based on yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling the re-assignment of the members of the ISCF has gone ahead as planned.

The Minister’s decision to proceed with the implementation of the policy decision to merge the Forces is based not only on the benefits of the merger as outlined in earlier statements, but the fact that over 90% of members of the SCFA and 100% of members of the ISCF Officers’ Association, have already signed letters indicating their voluntary acceptance of re-assignment. 

The ISCF Officers’ Association represents the senior members of the ISCF from the level of Assistant Commander to Deputy Commandant.

The Commissioner of Police has advised that most former members of the ISCF have been sworn as members of the JCF, some of whom will assume duties in new formations and others in their existing formations. 

Swearing ceremonies are taking place across the island today. The Commissioner notes that several former members of the ISCF have been working in JCF formations since leaving the training academy.

The Minister has noted that despite the unequivocal expression of willingness by the vast majority of members of the ISCF to be re-assigned to the JCF, it is his determination that if any member still has legitimate concerns, he is prepared to listen to those concerns.