The top six finalists for the LASCO/Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Police of the Year competition have been selected.
These outstanding officers, representing all geographical regions and divisions under the JCF umbrella were chosen
by a panel of judges led by Calvin Small, Senior Superintendent of Police. They have demonstrated exceptional performance, professionalism and a deep commitment to
community involvement, some of which includes feeding programmes, crime intervention initiatives for at-risk youths.
Vying for the prestigious Chairman’s Award, the highest honour presented at the S aluting Our Heroes Awards Ceremony, are: - Corporal Shantel Watson – Area 1,
Corporal Namoy Roberts – Area 2, Sergeant Margaret Simms-Williams – Area 3, Constable Moesha Allen – Area 4, Constable Junior Thompson – Area 5 and Constable
Jahvarn Brown – Non-Geographical Division.
As part of their preparation for the awards, the finalists recently attended a specialised Effective Communication Skills workshop conducted by renowned communication
specialist, Paula-Anne Porter Jones. The workshop, a vital part of their development journey, provided valuable insights into mastering communication with different types
of individuals and groups as well as the essential skills which will play a role in their ongoing leadership and service in the police force and as LASCO brand ambassadors.
The dynamic session highlighted the importance of clear and impactful communication, whether on or off duty. Porter Jones, a veteran broadcaster and communication coach,
used her wealth of experience to equip the finalists with techniques to enhance their confidence, storytelling, and interaction with the public. She also emphasised the power
of non-verbal communication and its role in building trust and commanding respect.
It is critical for police officers – who are constantly interacting with members of the public, to be able to get their messages across simply and effectively,” said Porter Jones.
“It was an honour to work with these dedicated individuals, and I am confident that they will use what they have learnt to positively impact the communities they serve.
The finalists were highly engaged throughout the workshop, taking part in practical exercises that allowed them to sharpen their presentation skills and enhance their
ability to handle high-pressure communication situations. These interactive tasks also fostered camaraderie, enabling the finalists to get to know each other better. This is a
critical component in preparing them for the role of LASCO/JCF Police Officer of the Year, where they will represent the force at national and community events, both locally
and internationally.
As the date of the Saluting Our Heroes Awards Ceremony is fast-approaching, the LASCO Chin Foundation and LASCO Affiliated Companies in partnership with the JCF, remain
committed to empowering officers through professional development and equipping them with the skills needed to meet the evolving needs of modern policing.