Corporal Shantel Powell wins 2025 LASCO/JCF police of the year award

Corporal Shantel Powell has been named the 2025 LASCO/Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Police of the Year, with Sergeant Rojehn Holt placing second.

The winners were announced at the Saluting Our Heroes Awards ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

The annual LASCO Saluting Our Heroes programme recognises outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to public safety and community development across the JCF’s divisions.

Powell was selected from a group of six finalists, which also included then Constable Monique Bartley (Area 1), Corporal Stephen Smith (Area 2), Detective Corporal Chadrick Williams (Area 4) and Detective Corporal Livey Evans (non-geographical formations).

Powell is from Area 5 and Holt, Area 3.

Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake announced that all six were promoted, with Powell and Bartley moving to the rank of corporal; Smith, Holt and Williams are now sergeants and Evans, detective sergeant.

Powell previously shared of her journey from Copperwood, Clarendon, as the 16th child in a family of 17. Despite facing poverty and marginalisation, she pursued higher education, attending Edwin Allen High School and later the University of Technology, Jamaica. She also holds a degree in forensics,.

Powell began her professional career as a chemistry teacher at Cornwall College in Montego Bay, St James. “Truth be told, that was a transitional phase for me,” she told The Star last year, reflecting on her path into law enforcement.

She joined the JCF in July 2021, citing a desire to combine her skills with her passion for public engagement.

“I’m into public speaking, and I get to go to different stakeholders, schools, churches, community meetings and gatherings,” Powell said. “These places allow me to empower individuals through speaking and sharing.”

Powell said her upbringing served as the foundation upon which she continues to build her success.

“Where we are coming from as a family, nobody expected us to be a shining light and a driving force for anything positive or good,” she acknowledged. “We were ridiculed, ostracised, almost condemned because of the level of lack and depravity that we faced.”

However, her mother’s unwavering support and prayers, despite their marginalised status, played a pivotal role in shaping her trajectory.

“My mom never stopped pushing and praying and ensuring that certain principles and laws are inculcated in us,” she revealed. “Today, we truly are fruits of that prayer and faithful mother that we have in Miss Gloria Powell.”

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