FOR almost four decades Jean Smith-Braham has served the people of St Elizabeth in general, and Lacovia in particular, as a district constable in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

She is scheduled to end her long run next year, but before she goes, a grateful nation is poised to say thanks.

On National Heroes’ Day (October 20), Smith-Braham will be awarded the Badge of Honour for her years of remarkable service with the JCF.

“I’m sort of emotional but I’m feeling good. It’s deserved. I have done a lot,” Smith-Braham said in an interview with JIS News.

“I am very, very grateful and thankful for the award, and I will ever uphold dignity and respect for the people of Jamaica on a whole,” she added.

According to Smith-Braham, her career in law enforcement was deeply influenced by her family. Born and raised in Burnt Savanna, she grew up watching her father, the late Stafford Smith, serve as a special constable.

She remembers her father as a no-nonsense yet loving and intelligent man, whose example inspired her ambition to join the JCF.

This influence also extended to other family members, including a deceased cousin who worked at the Barnett Street Police Station in Montego Bay, St James.

“So, I am sort of used to the policing. It’s coming from far [and] that’s why I said I developed a love for the force. I was appointed on the 16th day of October 1986 and today, I have no regrets. I love my job.

“I want to thank an ex-district constable Roy Mullings. He was one of the persons, who at the time, helped and motivated me to join the job,” said Smith-Braham.

She also extended thanks to Damion Pryce, president of the United District Constables Association, for his respect and support.

As a district constable she has focused on serving the community of Lacovia which she knows intimately. The position requires her to perform guard duty, patrols, serve summons and much more.

She has used knowledge and good relations with residents to build trust as well as maintain order in the parish.

Smith-Braham has witnessed first-hand the significant transformation in the JCF over the decades and recalls a time when district constables were paid via handwritten claim sheets and wore clothes which they provided.

“We never used to wear uniform. We used to have to wear our plain clothes. In fact, we had to buy [clothing] material and build our own clothes, and so on, as a district constable.

“It was former Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, when he came in, he said that he can’t have his district constables out there and cannot identify them. He said we have to wear uniform. So that was when the force prepared uniform for us,” added Smith-Braham.

As she winds up her long career, Smith-Braham has words of encouragement for young people who might be considering joining the JCF.

According to Smith-Braham, it is a good job that earns respect and the opportunity to serve. However, she cautioned that it requires leaving behind any bad habits, as “the JCF will not tolerate any negative behaviour”.

She pointed out that the men and women who sign up for the JCF should do so with dedication and commitment as the entity offers a rewarding life for those who serve faithfully.

“I would tell them that they can make a good life out of the JCF, but they have to dedicate themselves to the job, do their job effectively, think wisely and don’t do any foolishness,” said Smith-Braham as she looks forward to retirement in 2026.

After hanging up her badge the veteran cop plans to divide her time between Jamaica and the United States, where one of her daughters lives, while still maintaining close ties with other family members at home, including her grandchildren.

— JIS

District Constable Jean Smith-Braham at work at the Lacovia Police Station (Photo: JIS)