The six finalists for the Lasco/Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Police of the Year competition have been selected.

The 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, organisers said in a press release Friday, noting that the finalists 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 Saluting 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.

According to the release, 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, organisers said.

“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,” Porter Jones was quoted as saying. “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 reportedly 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, the release stated, noting that 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 along with the Lasco Affiliated Companies and partner the JCF said they remain committed to empowering officers through professional development and equipping them with the skills needed to meet the evolving needs of modern policing.