Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Gregory Campbell

Abstract

Crime is the main public safety issue and a significant threat to human and economic development in Jamaica. To curtail the worsening crime problem, the prime minister of Jamaica has declared a state of public emergency in certain parishes. Policy makers currently lack understanding of how the militarization of the Jamaica Constabulary Force has affected communities and citizens in Jamaica where states of public emergency have been declared. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to understand police officers’ perspectives on the militarization of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The theoretical framework was the operational-styles theory, which offered a means to identify and explain police officers’ discretion and decision-making. A phenomenological design was used. Purposive sampling was the method chosen to select the participants. Data collection included in-depth interviews, with thematic analysis conducted manually using Microsoft Word. Participants had differing beliefs regarding whether the Jamaica Constabulary Force has been militarized, but all participants agreed that the imposition of states of public emergencies significantly contributed to the reduction of major crimes and the fear of crime in communities. Researchers should conduct further studies to explore the perspectives of members of the police high command and citizens affected by the state of public emergency. This research may effect positive social change by reinforcing existing strategic priorities of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which are heeding the rule of law, being a force for good, and respecting all individuals. By demonstrating greater respect for everyone’s human rights and dignity, as well as the rule of law, officers may help to realize a less violent society

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