ISCF, JCF Merger Successful
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ON FEBRUARY 24, 2014, the Government of Jamaica approved the incorporation of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) into the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The merger, which took effect on Thursday, May 01, 2014, marks a momentous occasion in the history of Policing in Jamaica after nine attempts in the last twenty-three years.
The incorporation of the ISCF into the JCF is expected to increase the operational output of the Police services, allowing for greater management of the Force’s human and physical resources and improved efficiencies in the implementation of crime reduction and public order strategies. The ‘single Police Force’ will feature a single command
Staying in love: One couple shares their story of love for their job, and each other
Better sleuths to solve crime:
Policing for change:
Gadgets, Brains and Intuition - The CIB at work.
Police and citizens partner for safer communities.
PHOTOS: SHAWN THOMPSON ISCF officers at Mobile Reserve collect their red chevrons after being sworn on as JCF members under the guidance of ACP Winchroy Budhoo.
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and communication structure, enhanced skill sets of the police through unification of training programmes and the inculcation of a core set of common values. Of the over 2000 ISCF members, majority were transferred to JCF divisions and formations in the Corporate Area and are integrated into the daily activities of the respective divisions and formations. Each member of the ISCF was swornon in the presence of a Justice of the Peace and signed documents that indicated their new membership in the JCF. The new JCF members will carry over their years of service and other benefits. In addition, the Merger Implementation Task Force has charged a sub-committee with the mandate to develop a Mentorship Programme for the new members of the JCF to enable a smooth transition into the JCF. The programme features the selection of peer mentors (rank and file) and executive mentors (gazetted officers), who will undergo training in areas including mentorship relationships, communication skills and relationship development. The programme starts in June 2014 and will run for an initial period of nine months.
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PHOTOS: OLIVEA HAYLES ISCF officers in the St. Thomas Division being guided through the swearing in process by Superintendent Merrick Watson and Asisstant Superintendent (former Assistant Commander), St. George Jackson.
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Policing forchange T
HE ROAD TO transforming communities into safe havens for law-abiding citizens is an arduous one. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), recognizing the importance of trust between its members and the public, decided to implement community-based policing strategies through the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB). An initiative of this nature requires the commitment of key partners and more importantly—the empowerment of every policeman and policewoman—a commitment that comes through an unflinching passion for service. Constable David Chambers, attached to the Grants Pen Police Station in the St. Andrew North Division is one such policeman. With a decade of service under his belt, Constable Chambers answered the call to service in 2004 after being bored with engineering. “Training was easy, I found it to be psychological [rather] than physical and training in those days was much longer, amidst water shortage and staff strikes; we trained for 11 months,” said Chambers.
Community service was not unfamiliar to Chambers, as his humble beginnings played a key role in him wanting to help those around him and to make a difference in his own way. Born and raised in the inner city, Chambers described life growing up: “The more things changed, the more they remained the same, you always had the usual promises that hardly ever came to fruition,” said Chambers. From a tender age, Chambers had a love for people and a love for serving. He attended the St. Judes Primary School then went on to the Tarrant Secondary School (now Tarrant High School), where he became a member of the Key Club. The club which was rooted in service to others, sparked an interest in community service for Chambers as he would often visit the home of individuals who were ill. “We would paint the houses of individuals and clean up various communities for those who were unable to do so due to health or other constraints,” said Chambers. His dedication and commitment within the club led him to become the Project and Major Emphasis Director and later, Vice President of his school’s Key Club. His passion for service did not end there, as he went on to become a member of the Portmore Junior Chamber, President of the St.
Catherine Youth Club Association as well as President of the Westchester Youth Club. Fresh from training school, he worked at the Spanish Town Police Station before moving on to the Portmore and Bridgeport Police Stations. While at Bridgeport the opportunity came for him to become a part of the newly formed bicycle patrol. He applied and was accepted in the program. “When I joined the bicycle patrol my shorts couldn’t fit me, so I was the only one in denim pants, combat boots, helmet and on my bicycle,” said Chambers. This however did not deter him from his duties, as he was named ‘Most Disciplined Rider’. Chambers clutched the opportunity to serve as a member of the CSSB when he saw an invitation in Force Orders for applications to work at the Drumblair facility located at 35 Grants Pen Road, St. Andrew. He applied and was successful and subsequently transferred to the facility where he, along with other officers, were trained by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), in problem solving, safe encounter principles, public relations and other skills. Chambers said being at Grants Pen was not business as usual. “It was very difficult at first, because Grants Pen then was mostly anti-Police...but because of the training PERF provided for
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policing for change both the Police and the members of the community, it became easier for us. We worked in various sections of the community, including Shortwood Lane, Shortwood Road, Belgium lane, Grants Pen Drive, Mason Bush and Gibralter Lane. At that time, at least two persons were killed every day, but we jumped at the opportunity to always have our presence in the community,” he said. According to Chambers, residents wanted to cooperate and they wanted the Police to do their job at restoring peace within the community, but pressure from unlawful citizens and self-proclaimed ‘dons’ made it difficult for them. Chambers got back to his first love— serving people—when PERF offered the officers USD 4000 to devise a programme that would involve community members from all age groups in 2005. Chambers, along with other officers, started a netball tream called ‘The Grants Pen Archers’. They entered their first competition, the Jamaica Netball Association C-team, placed 3rd , and also copped the prize for the most disciplined team. They were also 2nd in the dress parade. The money assisted with training equipment, meals and prizes. “The competition bridged borders and boundaries. Team members would cross imaginary boundary lines that were established in the community by rival gangs without being attacked by other members of the community,” he said. However, it was not always smooth sailing in the community and Chambers’ life
changed one fateful day in 2006, while on duty. “I was on an operation in Grants Pen. I was about to jump over a high wall not knowing that a 220-watt electric wire was on top of it; I held on to it by accident and was electrocuted. I went out of service for two years,” said Chambers. “I suffered kidney, bladder, nerve, muscle and spine damage; the spine and bladder injuries are permanent.” This was the turning point for Constable David Chambers, as he was no longer able to be a part of active Police operations, and was only able to conduct office duties for 4 hours each day. However, just like the shorts that couldn’t fit, he found other ways to serve. In 2009, with the support of corporate Jamaica, Chambers and other Police Officers started the St. Andrew North Scholarship Fund. Ten scholarships were offered to children within the St. Andrew North Police division, most of whom were members of various Police Youth Clubs in the area. Since its inception, approximately 36
police youth clubs and 14 Police officers have benefitted from the scholarship fund. In 2014, Chambers is hoping to offer 12 scholarships to children and offer more Police officers scholarships as well. Partnering with organizations such as the Vocational Training Development Institute, the Creative Production and Training Centre and SEEK, Chambers, in spite of his disabilities, plans to continue giving back to the community. When asked about his biggest accomplishments since working at the Grants Pen Police Station, Chambers says, “In 2006 there were virtually no murders on record. The relationship that the Police have managed to maintain with the citizens is really good. We meet with everyone and the community is relatively calm now.”
PHOTO: YOULANDA HENRY A citizen and a Police Officer shake hands in a symbolic gesture of their partnership
Frontline salutes this year’s Lasco Top Cop, Woman Sergeant Hodel Harris, based in St. Mary
...You could be the next Are you 40 years or younger and have:
Lasco Top Cop!
exemplary work conduct, dedication and professionalism excellent communication skills a minimum of 5 years service
Are you:
Involved in community initiatives at the national level Knowledgeable of the policies and procedures of
the JCF, current and international affairs.You could be nominated to take part in the journey to becoming the next Lasco/JCF Police Officer of the Year.
Nominations may be done by members of the public or any member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force on the prescribed form. Commanding Officers, Area and Branch Officers or members of the Commissioning ranks are prohibited from the nomination process. For more details contact the Community Safety and Security Branch at 929-1328 or send an email to communitysafety@jcf.gov.jm .
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1. Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington raises the torch, symbolising the start of the 2014 games held at the Elletson Road Sports Complex. 2. Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington is flanked by senior officers of the JCF as he stands atop the saluting dais during the March Past of the teams. 3. The JCF Band leads the March Past at the opening of sports day 2014 4. Area 1Track and Field Team 5. All the participating Areas line up before the start of the games 6. Some of the trophies for the winning teams 7. Female sack race in session. 8 Sergeants' race in session 9. Members of the Area 6 track team take a break during lunch. 10. ASP Tanisha Ellison (right) representing Area 7 in the Officers' race 11. Men's 400m race in session 12. Men's walk race is led by a member of the winning Area 8 team. 13. Members of the Mobile Reserve tug-of-war in action. 14. A member of the Area 4 track team receives her prize from the Commissioner. 15.Female athletes pose for a photo after collecting their trophies. 16. Two members of the Area 2 team collect their winnings. 17. SSP Chambers collects the loser's bucket from ACP Ealan Powell. 18. Winning team, Mobile Reserve, with a plethora of trophies. 19. Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington presents a trophy to SSP Gary Griffiths before the start of action on Sports Day.
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better better sleuths sleuths to to solve solve crime crime AS THE WORLD celebrated the arrival of a new millenium, the Constabulary was making strides to improve its ability to investigate crimes and bring perpretrators to justice. Some of the initiatives that were undertaken include: the launching of the Video Identification Unit (VIU), the realignment of Divisional Intelligence Units and the advent of crime conferences and prosecutorial conferences.
PHOTO: NICKOY MILLER Sleuths search for clues
Video Identification Unit The VIU was launched in January 2009 under the Operations Branch and is mandated to conduct identification parades via video and to generate suspect sketches by using the electronic facial imaging techniques (EFIT) system. The shift from traditional identification parades eliminated witnesses’ fear of having to encounter the alleged suspect. The EFIT system, which allows trained EFIT artists to achieve close to ninety-five percent (95%) likeness of a suspect, is a valuable investigative tool. The sketches are media friendly, allow for public involvement, and can be sent out electronically to both local and overseas agencies in an effort to capture an unidentified suspect. Crime conferences and crime reviews were another advent of the noughties. They allow investigators to be in constant dialogue with each other, requiring them to meet at regular intervals to review new developments about a particular investigation, to share their expertise and information.
Prosecutorial Conferences Prosecutorial conferences were initiated in an effort to bridge the gap between prosecutors and detectives. The conferences allow barristers to guide the Police through the various aspects of the investigation. This reduces the likelihood of legal violations by the police and reduces the time that prosecutors would have otherwise been required to be informed. At trials, prosecutors are now more aware of all aspects of the case. These conferences ensure swift trials and likely convictions, as no aspect of the case will be unfamiliar to prosecutors. One of the greatest challenges to criminal investigation in Jamaica is the inherent
culture of silence. Even with the increased use of technology, witnesses are still critical in the pursuance of crime suspects. They are used to link suspects to the scene of a crime and are indispensible in identifying the main perpetrator in instances where there is more than one aggressor. The Criminal Investigative Branch, now under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner of Police Devon Watkis, continues to make strides to improve its capabilities. Last year saw more arrests with evidence than ever before, and a clear-up rate of near 40 per cent which shows signs of upward movement. The future is looking bright!
ALTHOUGH POLICE OFFICERS command a certain level of respect and do engage in some form of public speaking on a daily basis in the performance of their duties, many of us cower in fear at the sight of a microphone. The truth is that not everybody was born with the gift of gab, and even those who were, may make poor public speakers. Like all skills, public speaking requires practice and dedication to the craft. Rome wasn’t built in a day, the saying goes. Here are a few tips to get you started on the track to becoming a more confident and skilled public speaker. 1. Know your material. Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to say. 2. Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary. 3. Know the audience. Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers. 4. Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids. 5. Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. (“One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm. 6. Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence. 7. Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you. 8. Don’t apologize for any nervousness or problem – the audience probably never noticed it.
Dealing with stress in the workplace Stress is a universal phenomenon, which affects all employees and certainly Police Officers aren’t the exception. As such, it’s important to find timely and effective ways to ease stress. Here are a few tips; During a day’s work we aren’t always in control of the factors that impact our work environment. Forbes Magazine encourages you to take charge of the factors Frontline is a production of the JCF Corporate that you can control, to the best of your ability and let the rest develop Communications Unit. Send all queries and feedback to ccuops@jcf.gov.jm naturally. The adage “ take deep breaths” apart from being simple, is tried and proven when tackling stress. Take those few seconds Executive Editor to inhale some fresh air and exhale that stress. It has been argued ASP T. Ellison that stressful situations in the office are often times due to subjective Writers Layout & Design interpretations. On the flip side, an objective viewpoint allows you to Sgt. Shaunjaye Mitchell W/Cons Y. Henry not take things personally and allows for more efficiency. W/Dist. Cons. O. Hayles Prioritizing duties is also a great way to keep stress at bay. It is W/Dist. Cons. G. WorgsSterling DC N. Miller important to assess the level of importance each task holds or deadlines to be W/Cons. Y. Heny met and act accordingly instead of trying to juggle everything at once. This way stress is cut down D/C S. Thompson and efficiency is the order of the day.
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speaking 101
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PHOTOS: SHAUNJAYE MITCHELL Senior Superintendent Anthony Powell and his wife of 21 years, Superintendent Vendolyn Powell
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Superintendent Cameron-Powell and two of her three lovely daughters at the Commisioner’s Cocktails in 2013
Superintendent Cameron-Powell shows off her pearly whites
while staying in the Service
BORN OUT OF a mutual attraction for each other over 25 years ago, Superintendent Vendolyn Cameron-Powell and Senior Superintendent Anthony Powell have found a rewarding career and love in the Jamaica Constabulary Forc (JCF). Fresh out of the Police Academy in 1985, Vendolyn and Anthony were transferred to the JCF Special Branch (now defunct), and were placed in the same office. It was there that the interest in each other sparked, an interest that has led to a fairytale-like journey through the ranks of the Constabulary. Their relationship started off as a simple friendship between co-workers. Anthony Powell had other plans for the friendship from the start, but Vendolyn was not having it, as professionalism was the hallmark of the game at the time, especially at the Special Branch. However, Anthony was not daunted by her resistance and like a true Police Officer, he pressed on with his pursuits. It would eventually pay off—four years later. Most men would not pursue someone for years without any guarantees, but Anthony says he knew he had a diamond in his sight and had every intent on making her his own. So having waited four years to acquire his diamond, SSP Powell was not going to lose her and soon after their friendship transitioned into the romantic realm, they made the decision to tie the knot. Vendolyn Cameron added Powell to her last name in 1993, and the two lovebirds soared to higher heights as both officers got promoted through
the ranks of the Force at a steady pace. Mrs. Powell recounted her most memorable Valentine’s moment in 1990, when she bought a pretty red and white dress to impress her coworkers and most of all, her beau. She recalled that it was a rainy Friday and that she got soaked in her new dress and arrived at the office dripping wet! All was not lost though, as she received a bouquet of flowers and chocolates from her beau, who had made sure to impress her for Valentine’s Day. She told Frontline that despite her being wet, cold and miserable, she was overjoyed with her gift, and hardly noticed. What is more, Mrs. Cameron-Powell says they still find time for each other, just like they did when they first got married 21 years ago. “We are a good team, challenges will come but we have to push on” she said. When asked how they balance work and family time, Vendolyn explained that it takes a lot of strategic planning, and said that the marriage has been handled like a business investment. Additionally, Mrs. CameronPowell said that no matter how hard or stressful the work gets, family time is critical. Both 52 years old, Senior Superintendent Anthony Powell and Superintendent Vendolyn Cameron-Powell have known each other for close to 30 years and have been married for 21 years with the union producing three daughters.
...in traffic stops CRIME FIGHTING IN Jamaica is rough business. Criminals are organised, ruthless, and some have amassed enough firepower to outfit a small army. Save for the occasional odd-ball, at least a dozen cops are killed by criminals every year. That makes for an average that is two times the national average—a national average that means that citizens are killed at the rate exceeding a civil war. It is no surprise then, that being shot is at the forefront of every officer's mind. They plan for it, expect it, prepare for it. Vests and helmets are worn. But are there other dangers that they overlook? Each year, force vehicles are involved in numerous traffic incidents. These are rarely fatal, but the injury tally is hefty. Therefore, tactical approaches such as the PVD (people, vehicle, documents) method should always be observed. The following should also be noted: STOP LOCATION: When you spot an offending motorist, be sure to consider where you are about to pull over. It is never a good idea to pull over at the brow of a hill, around a blind corner, or in poorly-lit areas. Use your local knowledge and remember that you
control the situation. If the location is unsafe, instruct the driver to drive to a more suitable location. AWARENESS OF TRAFFIC: When making a traffic stop, always be aware of the traffic situation around you. Never turn your back to oncoming traffic—the sound of screeching tyres may be the last sound that you hear. It is also ill-advised to stand next to the roadway. FIND AN ESCAPE ROUTE: It may sound silly in the context of traffic stops, but take heed. Oncoming vehicles may become deadly missiles at any moment, and having a predetermined route of escape can mean the difference between life and death. Therefore, when approaching any vehicle, plan an escape route! ENTER TRAFFIC SAFELY: This is especially true for busy highways and rush-hour-type traffic. Always remember that you have responsibility not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of the motorist whom you have detained. Ensure that you use the necessary powers to ensure that the motorist re-enters traffic safely, and ensure that you do so as well.
PHOTO: MARVIN MOTHERSILLE This service vehicle is just one of many on the compound of the Transport & Repairs Division.
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