Submitted by Kammie Holder

This paper is dedicated to Carol, the hard working detectives and the new an upcoming leaders of the Barbados Police Service. Perhaps, some will do what comes natural and that is scoff, but the truth works always wins. Where is the community policing? Where are the programmes to engender trust and mitigate as well as proactively police Barbados outside of boots on the ground and cameras?

Here’s an overview of Dr Kevin Blake’s with a doctorate in sustainability who  employs new non linear strategies as Jamaica’s new Commissioner of Police to mitigate crime. Covering accountability (INDECOM, FOIA), predictive/data policing, conviction integrity, recidivism reduction, public trust, and building an academically credentialed command team: His approach is one of using every form of intelligence, focusing on meritocracy and rebuilding public trust. With a doctorate in sustainability you would think he would be in the environmental or business field. Some also wonder why I did a MBA in sustainability as an insurance person, but I say not all things are obvious to linear thinkers.

 Key Strategies & Crime Mitigation Approaches

1. Focused Deterrence & Predictive Policing

Blake has championed a data-driven focused deterrence strategy, targeting a small number of “high-risk individuals” responsible for disproportionate crime, backed by intelligence and analytics yielding reported homicide declines of 35 to 37% and major crime reductions of 18% to 38% in early 2025.

Aligns with Rational Choice and Deterrence Theory: making crime more risky and less rewarding through precise, persistent intervention.

2. Effective Presence & Tactical Deployment

Through the creation of the Beat Officer Patrol Division (BOPD) and data informed deployments, Blake emphasizes “effective presence” officers visible, strategically placed, and psychologically deterring offenders.

3. Tech, MIS, Predictive Tools & AI Innovation

Blake’s leadership implements a modern MIS infrastructure, expert systems, and AI tools like “Constable Smart,” a multilingual conversational AI assistant, that automates statement taking, report logging, and integrates with surveillance and other data systems.

Under his tenure, the JCF invested over J$8 billion in technology, with ISO 9001 certification and digital transformation covering infrastructure, automation, cybersecurity, and staff development.

4. Statement Analysis & Evidence-Based Convictions

Blake’s command builds on past reforms (like those from Mark Shields) such as digitizing fingerprints, increasing CCTV and DNA use, elevating investigative rigor, and improving conviction rates through irrefutable evidence-based processes.

5. Reducing Recidivism & Community Collaboration

Through Project STAR (Social Transformation & Renewal) and diaspora-engaged initiatives, Blake fosters co-created community solutions, youth engagement, and social transformation to reduce repeat offending and build resilience.

He consistently promotes collective efficacy, instilling a policing culture where all ranks share responsibility for safety with oversight and public cooperation.

6. Accountability, Oversight & Transparency (INDECOM & FOIA)

Blake publicly supports credible, responsible oversight. While INDECOM flagged a 152% increase in fatal police shootings (111 cases Jan–Apr 2025 vs 44 last year), he has endorsed calls for body-worn cameras and transparency mechanisms emphasizing accountability balanced with operational clarity.

He has pledged to “win hearts and minds”, build trust through community engagement, and reinforce the JCF’s role as a professional, lawful guardian institution of Jamaica.

High-Academic Command Team (Based on Merit)

Dr. Kevin Blake’s top team is noted for high qualifications, based purely on merit and relevant expertise not patronage:

Dr Kevin Blake (Commissioner):
PhD in Sustainable Development (specialization in Information Systems & Policing, High Commendation)
MSc in Computer-Based MIS

BSc in Computer Science & Mathematics, Architect of expert systems, MIS platforms, tech governance, and JCF’s ISO certification.

DCP Clifford Blake (Inspectorate & Professional Standards Oversight): MSc in National & Strategic Studies (UWI), awarded for top research.

DCP Karina Powell-Hood (Force Development & Logistics): BA in Spanish; advanced emotional intelligence; key contributor to ISO quality transformation; pursuing MBA in Security Management Studies.

ACP Clifford Chambers: MBA in Public Sector Management & Accounting, BSc in Accounting & Public Sector Management (UWI), LLB (Hons) from University of London with CLE from Norman Manley Law School; former legal officer; key leader in organizing OCID C‑TOC & INTERPOL operations.

• Other senior SSP/ACPs assigned key portfolios (Strategic Ops, Intelligence, Admin) were selected in April 2024 to align leadership skills with strategic roles based on diverse expertise.

Additionally, the JCF now includes over 2,000 senior officers with tertiary education, including ten at PhD level, many in fields relevant to policing such as behavioural science, cybersecurity, and public policy.

 Summary

Under Dr Kevin Blake’s leadership, the JCF’s crime reduction approach is multi‑dimensional:

Focused deterrence, data analytics, and technology driven predictive policing.

Effective patrol deployments to deter through presence.

Enhanced statement processing and forensic tools for stronger convictions.

Community-driven social initiatives to reduce recidivism and build trust.

Robust oversight, support for FOIA/practices, and willingness to increase transparency via INDECOM’s demands.

Highly credentialed leadership by merit, ensuring strategy is grounded in academic rigor and relevant expertise.

These strategies have delivered measurable reductions in major crimes and murders, while reinforcing the importance of ethics, collective accountability, and public confidence.

Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into any specific program such as Constable Smart, Project STAR, or the conviction‑rate improvements tied to digital statement analytics.

What can Barbados learn from Dr Blake and Jamaic