60 members of The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) drawn from the ranks of constable to inspector, have been especially trained and certified to professionally deal with the nuances of diverse groups in Jamaica including the LGBT community.

The officers were trained at a special workshop on diversity conducted by the USAID committee project, which was held over the last two weekends at Jewel Paradise Cove Resort in Runaway Bay, St. Ann.

In addition to raising the awareness of the police of the presence of these diverse groups in Jamaica, and the safety, security and other challenges they face, the objective of the training was to also ensure that the officers show respect for the human rights of everyone, irrespective of the groups to which they belong.

Speaking at the closing session of the diversity workshop yesterday, USAID Mission Director to Jamaica, Denise Herbol praised the Jamaican police for taking the bold step to seek assistance on how to treat issues involving diverse groups.

She says the hallmark of a modern police force, is one that is not discriminatory in nature but one, which seeks to respect the rights of all individuals in a spirit of partnership, which will benefit everyone.