THE recent spate of suicides among Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members has led a member of the constabulary’s Chaplaincy Unit to call on police personnel to look out for signs of stress among colleagues.

“The time has come when we can no longer just sit back and depend on persons whom we identify as individuals suffering from depression to take in themselves for counselling,” Rev Courtney Faulknor, assistant chaplain told the Jamaica Observer.

The senior clergyman suggested that members of the JCF need to start doing more to encourage seemingly troubled colleagues to seek help.

“If it means holding their hands. Take them into the office or make a call on their behalf,” added Faulknor who is the main organiser of the Stress Management in Law Enforcement (SMILE) programme launched earlier this year to treat chronic stress among JCF members.

Last week saw two cases of suicide starting on Sunday.

On Sunday, 28-year-old Constable Rajon Stephens, assigned to the Hunts Bay Police Station, shot and killed his 23-year-old lover Kadeen Hunter, a teacher of Camelot Avenue, Kingston 20. He then drove home to Jacks River district in St Mary where he allegedly turned the gun on himself.

Last Wednesday night, Constable Xavian DaCosta was found dead at his Portmore, St Catherine home. He is believed to have committed suicide.

The deaths come a month after 32-year-old Constable Tyrone Thompson was found at his Manchester home with a bullet to the temple and his firearm in his hand.

His colleagues had reportedly said he had been going through a rough period.

Rev Faulknor told the Observer that JCF members should take the term ‘being your brother’s keeper’ more seriously.

“I am making an appeal to all law enforcement members that once you reach a point where you feel you need help, don’t believe you are alone. There are so many options that you have or that you can reach out to in terms of support and I am imploring all members just to be your brother’s or sister’s keeper. Wherever you see signs of depression walk with them,” Faulknor said.

Faulknor added: “There is a myriad of options that police officers have in terms of counselling and support system from the volunteer chaplain, which overseas in terms of the station level, to the divisional level, then there is the area or assistant chaplain that gives oversight for the different areas or branches or formation. The time has come when we have to start looking out for each other and to see how best we can point each member in that direction of hope.”