PORT MARIA, St Mary — Residents of Annotto Bay and Castleton in this parish have been singing the praises of Constable Marlon Garriques for quite a while; now he has received national recognition. Garriques has been named this year’s Lasco Top Cop for the St Mary Division and runner-up in the police Area 2.

Asked why he thinks he came out ahead of others within the division, Garriques pointed to his suite of attributes, explaining that the honour was more than crime statistics.

“I feel extremely humbled, grateful and honoured. My nomination was based on overall performance, dedication to duty, leadership, community engagement, professionalism and contribution to crime prevention and public safety,” he told the Jamaica Observer with a broad smile.

The Lasco Top Cop competition is a rigorous one. For Garriques the award is the fruit of individual and a team effort.

St Mary’s top cop Marlon Garriques leading the charge during the Community Safety and Security Branch’s back-to-school treat held recently at Westmoreland playing field in Annotto Bay.

“This recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of support I have received from my colleagues, community members, stakeholders, family, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force,” Garriques told the Observer.

He said the honour comes with responsibility.

“It motivates me to work even harder. I see it as encouragement to continue serving with integrity, compassion, discipline, and professionalism,” said Garriques.

Since enlisting in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on November 21, 2011, Gariques has served the Port Maria, Prospect and Annotto Bay police stations. Today his portfolio covers Annotto Bay and Castleton Police stations. Now assigned to the Community Safety and Security Branch, Zone Two, he has been building relationships across the parish, one school visit, one community meeting, one problem solved at a time.

“It has been a journey of learning, growth and service,” Garriques said.

After almost 15 years on the job he is still eager to serve.

“My greatest motivation is the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” he said.

“Effective policing is not only about responding to crime. It is also about preventing crime, educating communities, empowering young people, supporting vulnerable persons and building meaningful relationships with the people we serve,” Garriques added.

He lights up when he talks about results you cannot always measure.

“I am motivated when I see young people making positive choices, communities becoming safer and citizens developing greater confidence in the police,” the constable explained.

Ultimately, Garriques says it comes down to service.

“My passion for service, my family, my colleagues, and my desire to help people are what continue to drive me every day,” St Mary’s top cop concluded.

— Ingrid Henry