The Opposition People’s National Party has indicated that it will be carefully observing the performance of Dr. Kevin Blake as the new Police Commissioner.

Dr. Blake’s appointment becomes effective next Tuesday, March 19.

Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang announced Dr. Blake’s appointment at a post Cabinet press briefing, this morning.

Dr. Blake, who is the Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for force development and logistics, has been a member of the force for 22 years.

His appointment as Jamaica’s 15^th native police commissioner follows the conclusion of what the ministry described as a comprehensive selection process conducted by the Police Service Commission.

Reacting to Dr. Blake’s appointment, spokesman on national security Peter Bunting said the opposition will not second guess the Commission’s selection. 

The opposition spokesman also reminded Dr. Blake that the Constabulary Force Act gives sole operational superintendence to the Commissioner.

He pointed out that policy is the purview of the Cabinet, the minister, and in some cases such as extending a state of emergency, the parliament.