ANNOTTO BAY, St Mary — Father to a son who was named after him and a daughter who shares his birthday, Deputy Superintendent of Police Kevin Francis’s life changed when he became a dad.

“I realised that I was no longer living for myself, but l am actually living for another human being,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “Being a father has been exciting; it’s been great!”

His marriage to Artia first produced a son, the first child for both of them.

“This meant, as per the African traditions, her womb was blessed. I named my son after me so the legacy can continue,” said Francis.

Then when his daughter was born, the tough cop melted like ice cream on a sweltering day.

“She was born on my birthday, so that was really special,” said Francis.

He has watched them grow and he is particularly proud to see them compete academically while developing their unique skills. According to Francis, his children have held head boy and head girl roles at their respective schools. He focuses on making sure they are well rounded.

“It’s about supporting them, showing them how to have a positive mannerism in how they approach and interact with others. This cannot be less than what is expected. They are grounded, they are level-headed, which I’m proud of,” he boasted.

Francis credits his father, Errol, for laying the foundation on which he is now building with his children.

“My dad was a teacher, friend, provider, and a role model, an excellent father to his children and grandchildren and husband to my mother. I follow him by example,” he explained.

He said his dad always had a good relationship with and provided supported for him and his siblings, ensuring that they got a solid foundation. He is determined to emulate that.

“It’s doesn’t mean cash, it’s about investing in their future, it’s about building good principles, good manners, and a good value system that they have a holistic approach towards life. Wealth for me is not about cash, but wealth for me is creating a balance,” Francis said.

A member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for 17 years, his paternal role has extended to his professional life — and to adults. Francis spent three years at the St Mary Police Division before being transferred to Westmoreland earlier this year.

“I have provided leadership, guidance, and mentorship to children in St Mary, Flanker, [and] Salt Spring in St James, St Ann, and Westmoreland — where my wife and I provide school supplies,” he said.

According to Francis, his wife has been a great partner, helping him balance a hectic schedule with family life and giving back to the communities in which he has lived and worked.

“She is very supportive as a wife — morally, emotionally, mentally — and she has been the tower of strength that is needed to go out on a day-to-day basis and ensure I return home to this family,” Francis told the Observer with pride.

Grateful for the life they have built, he is still hoping they will have a large family.

“I really wanted to have at least four to five kids. I had two, a boy and a girl. I’m grateful. I wouldn’t mind getting the other three. I guess time and destiny; let us see,” the deputy superintendent chuckled.

“It’s been a good run, I have enjoyed it, and I will continue to enjoy it. The goal is to see them graduate from college. That would make me very proud,” he said.

Francis is among hundreds of men in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) balancing “badge and babies”.

The life of a member of the JCF is inherently fraught with danger, demanding courage, vigilance, and a commitment to public service. When these men are also fathers, the complexities of their lives multiply, creating a unique set of challenges and triumphs. They constantly have to employ strategies to balance family and their work life.

The risks associated with policing are well documented. JCF members face the constant threat of violence, both physical and psychological. They are exposed to traumatic events, high-stress situations, and the ever-present possibility of injury or death. Considering the foregoing, they are in constant need of family and the support of good friends to create the right balance.

The fear of not coming home is a constant companion, impacting their mental and emotional well-being and affecting their relationships with their children and spouses.

Despite the inherent challenges, many of these men, like Francis, find ways to successfully navigate the demands of their profession while remaining active and engaged fathers.

These men remain steadfast in their role as ‘leader’, not only in the field of policing but also at home through the use of several key strategies, including maintaining communication and support, time management and prioritisation, seeking professional help when necessary, embracing flexibility, and finding meaning and purpose throughout their journey.

The leadership of the JCF has indicated that it is prepared to play a crucial role in supporting its fathers through the provision of various services, such as mental health resources, offering flexible work hours, and the fostering of a supportive culture.