Pearnel Patroe Charles Jr.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) manages Jamaica's corrections system, contributing to national security by implementing rehabilitation and reintegration programmes in the institutions while maintaining the safe custody of offenders.[4] This administration is led by the Commissioner of Corrections, Ina Hunter, who works closely with the Permanent Secretary, Dianne McIntosh, and Charles. Since his appointment, he has sought ways to improve the rehabilitation of offenders to prepare them for life after release.

One such way was highlighted during Correctional Services Week 2016 (October 24–29), where Charles stated that offenders would be trained in farming techniques before they were released.[5] He toured the nation's correctional facilities in early April to examine the deficiencies and initiate the fast-tracking of modernization in the facilities.[6] Other steps have been taken to transform the prison system from a place of punishment to a place of rehabilitation from partnerships with the department, the ministry, private sectors and international bodies. Attempts have been made to make inmates functionally literate and in possession of at least one Heart Trust/NTA certified skill before release.

Charles (5th from right), Parris Lyew Aye CEO of Caribbean Cement Company Ltd, Jamaica (beside Charles), Joyce Stone (Deputy Commissioner of Corrections) look on as correctional officers (1st to 4th left) show crops that have been planted by the inmates of Greenhouse launch in Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centres

In order to further boost the rehabilitation process in the department, in March 2017 there was a handing over of a greenhouse project which saw twenty correctional officers, one agriculture instructor and ten inmates receiving practical teaching and training in order for a sustainable development. This is one of several measures taken by the department to reduce re-offending which is a focus of their five pillar crime-fighting strategy.[7]

The Department of Correctional Services has joined efforts with international partners to advance the capabilities of the juveniles in their care. "A New Path: Promoting a Healthy Environment and Productive Alternatives for Juvenile Remandees and Offenders in Jamaica" is a project implemented by the general secretariat of the Organization of American States (GS/OAS), through its Department of Public Security (DPS), working with its affiliate, the Trust for the Americas, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development. The "New Path" project is in its second phase and has so far imnvolved 950 youth and provided educational and vocational training to 385 boys and girls. The "New Path" project is partnering with the DCS to reduce recidivism and, ultimately, crime and violence in Jamaica by improving the quality of and access to rehabilitation services for juvenile remandees at South Camp and Metcalfe Street Correctional facilities.[8] In October 2017, 40 wards were chosen to pitch ideas to a group of judges on business ventures they are seeking to expand and receive monetary support. Of the 40, 21 were selected to receive $500,000 grants to jump start their careers. This initiative is in its second cycle and will provide five days of business training and local administrative support to former wards to ensure the success of their endeavors.

The We Transform Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Programme is the ministry's flagship youth transformation programme geared at providing children (12-17 yrs) within the care and supervision of the Department of Correctional Services with the requisite skills set, character and support to become productive exemplary citizens. The programme was established by Charlesin 2016 and initially branded as the Learning by doing Competition, a student centered approach to rehabilitation.

Charles (right) speaking with dental hygienists at the We Transform Health Fair in November 2017

• Contribute to the reduction in youth offending/reoffending and by extension crime and violence.
• Build self-esteem, sense of purpose, and hope; as well as promote good values and attitudes among the children.
• Empower the target group to become agents of change/exemplary citizens
• Create public awareness and engender multisectoral participation and support in the rehabilitation and transformation of the children.
• Strengthen the institutional capacity of the DCS to effectively deliver rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

The programme has crafted a six pillar strategy consisting of six elements which fit within its objectives.

• Pillar 1 - Application of the Learning by Doing Technique
• Pillar 2 - Mentorship and Internship
• Pillar 3 - Annual Competition and Exposition[9]
• Pillar 4 - Healthy Lifestyle[10]
• Pillar 5 - Parent Engagement and Training
• Pillar 6 - Staff Capacity Building

Charles with the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force

The Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF) is a voluntary youth organisation which has been in existence since 1943 and caters to children between ages of 11 to 17 years old. It is an essential arm of the Ministry of National Security which provides training to the nation's youth to develop strong and capable leaders. The JCCF falls within the responsibility of Charles, who has defined the JCCF as "one of the best vehicles to create a crime free Jamaica". He also highlighted the importance of the expansion of the cadet force as this is a part of social development pillar of the Ministry of National Security crime fighting strategy.[11]

Charles, in his effort to advance the quality and quantity of resources in the cadet force, met with Audrey Marks, Jamaican ambassador to the US, to seek assistance in bolstering the capabilities of the JCCF. They discussed attractive avenues for recruiting youngsters to the force as well as how to actively engage them in crime fighting strategies.[12]