Super six selected for top cop award

Six outstanding police officers have been named finalists for the coveted LASCO Saluting Our Heroes 'Police of the Year' title.

The finalists are Constable Monique Bartley (Area 1), Corporal Stephen Smith (Area 2), Corporal Rojehn Holt (Area 3), Detective Corporal Chadrick Williams (Area 4), Constable Shantel Powell (Area 5), and Detective Corporal Livey Evans (Non-Geographical Formations).

The cops have been celebrated for their exemplary leadership, professionalism, and dedication to strengthening public safety and community relations within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Now in its 26th staging, the LASCO/JCF Saluting Our Heroes Awards continues to recognise law-enforcement officers who demonstrate the highest standards of service, integrity, and transformation. This year's theme -- "Transforming through PQT (People, Quality & Technology): Celebrating Our Heroes" -- reflects the JCF's ongoing commitment to modernisation, excellence, and people-centred policing.

Each finalist has stood out through acts of innovation, compassion, and excellence in the line of duty, embodying what it means to serve Jamaica with distinction.

Ahead of the national awards ceremony, the six officers participated in a communication workshop hosted by Paula-Anne Porter & Associates (PAP) and supported by LASCO's corporate communications manager, Danielle Cunningham. The session focused on refining their public speaking, confidence, and interpersonal communication, essential tools as they prepare to represent the Force as ambassadors of transformation.

According to Paula-Anne Porter Jones, this year's workshop offered a more personalised experience.

"This year's staging of the workshop was a particular pleasure. We had the opportunity to speak with each finalist prior to the session, to understand their communication styles, goals and growth areas," Porter Jones said.

She noted that the training addressed individual development needs, including pronunciation, eye contact, and body language.

Cunningham commended the officers for their poise and steady improvement throughout the session, describing them as the embodiment of the LASCO/JCF spirit of transformation.

"This year's 'super six' truly impressed us with their openness and energy," said Cunningham.

"They each brought a sense of purpose to the workshop and demonstrated how storytelling and self-awareness can connect the Force to the communities they serve. As ambassadors, relatability will be their superpower - and this group represents that beautifully."

The grand announcement of the 2025 LASCO/JCF Police of the Year will take place on October 24, when one of these six remarkable officers will be crowned Jamaica's 'Top Cop.'