The Governor General made his remarks during a Courtesy Call to his official residence at Kings House on Monday, March 27 by the Honourable Lascelles Chin, Executive Chairman and Founder of LASCO Affiliated Companies and the 10 finalists in the 2017-2018 LASCO/Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Police Officer of the Year Competition.

“I think LASCO has touched on the nerve of the operation of this nation and has sought to identify and recognize, inspire and motivate. Thank you so much LASCO for the support, the recognition, the consciousness and the way that you build individual self esteem and worth.”

The ten finalists were derived from a pool of nominees at the JCF’s Divisional and Area Levels based on their work ethic; working relationship with the public and team members; involvement in communities and other social initiatives; professional knowledge; ability to communicate effectively and knowledge of national and international affairs.

The LASCO/JCF Top Cop accolade is derived from the LASCO/JCF Police Officer of the Year Awards - a prestigious accomplishment which encourages members of the JCF to strive to meet the Award’s stringent criteria.

Addressing the 2017-2018 finalists, His Excellency shared an inspiring story of one Constable Brown, who moved through the ranks and eventually became a Deputy Superintendent in the eighties. He also shared that he personally tracks the progress of Top Cops.

“What is going to happen eventually in the case of all of you is that you will rise through your ranks. You have been selected as a person who is going places. You have been selected because of your character... the display of qualities that are essential for the running of the JCF ... to protect and to serve with distinction.”

The Governor General also compelled the finalists to share their knowledge and principles with other members of the force.

The visit to the Governor General was the first of two Courtesy calls at the competition’s National Selection Level where the top three LASCO/JCF Top Cops are selected during a week of activities, from March 27 through March 31, which also includes community service, public speaking and a rigorous interview process. A Courtesy call was also made to the Acting Commissioner of Police.

Corporal Kimaryo Pinnock of the Motorized Patrol will give up his title as the current Police Officer of the Year at the 17th annual LASCO/JCF Police Officer of the Year Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 24 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The Police Officer of the Year Awards was established in 2000 through a partnership between LASCO and the JCF to publicly acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the members of the police force.

The 2017-2018 LASCO/JCF Police Officer of the Year will receive the coveted trophy along with a $250,000 cash prize. In addition, the first and second runner ups will also receive a trophy and a $200,000 and $100,000 cash prize respectively. All finalists will receive certificates and plaques having emerged the winner in their Division and Areas respectively.