More than 200 children sustain injuries in traffic accidents annually in Jamaica, and there were 31 vehicle crash-related child fatalities in 2009. Additionally, there are hundreds more who have suffered psychological damage. These numbers spurred the financial institution to ramp up efforts to curb the problem, so last year they launched the Street Smart campaign. 20 schools are currently involved in the campaign, and a team (which includes doctors and traffic cops) visits these schools from time to time. They give road-safety instructions, and the police use video clips and other hands-on methods to educate the children on best practices on roadways.

Two of them were constables, and they were promoted to corporal. A third was promoted from corporal to sergeant. The fourth member of the patrol was a district constable, and there are no ranks in this component of the force, so Acting Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington has advised that they have found other appropriate means of recognition for that individual.

Acting Commissioner Ellington, who described the cops’ action as exemplary police work, said it showed that the arresting officers were among the finest in the ranks of the constabulary. He equated each bullet to a life of the membership of the constabulary. “In practical terms they may have saved a police force and the entire organisation, and I think the country and people of Jamaica owe them a debt of gratitude,” he said.

The contribution was raised via the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF’s) Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) biannual Law Enforcement Torch Run, and represents an increase of $600,000 over the amount which was handed over two years ago ahead of the previous Games which were held in Shanghai, China.

The JCF has been assisting SOJ for over 25 years, and Ellington, in handing over the cheque, said the JCF was proud to continue its support of SOJ’s ventures, and praised the men and women of the JCF who contributed to the efforts. The Law Enforcement Torch Run started in February last year and ended in December. It was taken through 14 parishes and 19 police geographical divisions.

At the function, SSP Benjamin told the story of how he was influenced to joined the police force. He said that it was the immaculate attire of two policemen in his hometown (Chapleton, Clarendon) which prompted him to enrol in the police force.

“I used to admire the uniforms of these policemen, plus, I was so touched by the many good deeds done by the police. When I decided to join the police force, not even my grandmother knew,” he said. He recalled also that it was about 20 individuals who sat the police entry test at the Frankfield Police Station, Clarendon with him, but only two were successful. In March 1970, he was recruited, and began training at Port Royal. Twenty-one of them were in the batch, but over the months, 10 dropped out, and, on September 24, 1970, the remaining 11 graduated. “This was one of the smallest batches to have graduated in the JCF,” said SSP Benjamin.

Notably, of the 11 who graduated in his batch, he was the only one who rose above the rank of sergeant. All his other batch-mates either resigned or retired eventually.

At his pre-retirement function, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) – Paula Llewellyn, Acting Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, attorneys-at-law Churchill Neita and Wentworth Charles, the Reverened Garnett Roper and journalist Desmond Richards, all spoke about the high-quality work Benjamin has done over the 40 years. “He is a genuine and fearless investigator. If he has no evidence, then he is not coming to arrest you,” declared retired SSP Dudley Bryan about SSP Benjamin.

“A graduate of Dinthill Technical High School, the young-constable-turned-corporal and father of a two-year-old son is presently attached to the Kingston Eastern mobile and community patrol unit,” … more

The six officers, including a woman constable, were part of a joint military operation that led to the discovery of 300 pounds of ganja in Clarendon last Sunday (November 8). The weed was found in a motor car that was ironically being driven by a fellow member of the JCF.

Acting Commissioner Ellington praised the officers, and told them that he would continue to meet with those who demonstrated the courage and the strength of character, not only to prosecute criminals from the civilian population, but also to prosecute those who wore the badge of the force and abused it.

“My word to you is to get back out there. Don’t feel guilty about doing it, because you did the right thing. You need not apologise for doing the right thing,” he said. He further told them that if they faced criticisms from anyone, whether internally or externally, they should use it to strengthen themselves.

The male and female police officers were presented with their awards after judging done by a Selection Board, which included the Superintendent in charge of Clarendon, Dathan Henry. Here are some of the award winners:

• Criminal Investigator of the Year – Woman Constable Meleta Simms (for clearing up 50 per cent of the 32 sexual offence cases that came under her purview for the 2008/2009 period)
• Community Policing Officer – Constable Sheldon Simpson
• Police Youth Club Leader of the Year – Constable Fredi Ferguson (who reactivated the club in Four Paths, which was dormant for four years)
• All-Rounder of the Year – Sgt Phillip Pingue

Other awardees for outstanding service included Woman Special Constable Marlene White, Woman Special Sergeant Carmalita Ricketts, Detective Corporal Everton Young, Sergeant Cleveland Reid, Corporal David Galloway, Constable Dayne Williams, Special Constable Ainsworth Smith, and Special Corporal David Craddock.

Several businesses also received awards (for contributing voluntarily or materially to the Clarendon police and crime reduction). The awardees were – the Shagoury Group of Companies and Anthony Smatt in the Gold Category; Juici Patties and Jamalco in the Silver Category; and Cousins Construction Ltd and Hayman’s Auto Parts in the Bronze Category.

It was just the second time in the  ten year history of this annual award, that it has gone to a member in the lowest rank of the force. Last year, Constable Marvin Franklyn (who has since been promoted to corporal) created history when he won the award. Both Franklyn and Crossman were the youngest members of the field of finalists for their respective years.

Present at yesterday’s awards which took place at the Hilton Hotel were:
- Lasco Chairman, Lascelles Chin (the man who initiated the Police Officer of the Year Award)
- President of the Jamaica Bankers’ Association, Minna Israel (who was the guest speaker)
- Minister of National Security, Dwight Nelson
- Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin

The finalists are:

1. Constable Garfield Thomas – Area 1
2. Corporal Errol Craig – Area 2
3. Constable Dwayne Card – Area 3
4. Constable Donohue Crossman
5. Detective Sergeant Orlando Lewis – Area 5
6. Corporal Kevin Foster – Criminal Investigation Bureau
7. Corporal Marcus Bennett – Operations Portfolio
8. Sergeant Fitzgerald Gayle – Services Branch
9. Corporal Audley Wright – Mobile Reserve

The selection process for the nominees was done routinely islandwide, and included nominations from peers. All nominees are active members of the force, under the age of forty and have at least five years service. Additionally, the persons were selected based on other factors such as good work ethics, good conduct, outstanding performance, committment, dedication, and a good working relationship with the citizenry as well as co-workers. Additional factorsinclude being involved in initiatives at the community and national levels and having good knowledge of the policies and programmes of the force and the laws that govern it.

Jamaica’s top cop will win J$200,000, a trophy, a gift basket among other prizes. Second place will be given $150,000, a trophy and a gift basket while the third-place cop will get $50,000.