They were hailed at an annual appreciation dinner and awards ceremony for hard-working members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) working in the parish.

The event, which recognizes exceptional officers and other stakeholders, took place last Saturday night at the Shopping Mall and Trading Towers.

The men and women of the JCF and ISCF were presented with their awards after judging done by a Selection Board, which included the Superintendent in charge of Clarendon, Dathan Henry.

Woman Constable Meleta Simms cleared up 50 per cent of the 32 sexual offences cases that came under her purview for the 2008/2009 period, and was named Criminal Investigator of the Year. Community Policing Officer of the Year went to Constable Sheldon Simpson. This area of policing is being focused on in an attempt to improve the level of trust between citizens and the police. The award of Police Youth Club Leader of the Year went to Constable Fredi Ferguson who reactivated the club in Four Paths, which was dormant for four years.

Sgt Phillip Pingue took the All-Rounder of the Year Award. Other awardees for outstanding service included Detective Corporal Everton Young, Sergeant Cleveland Reid, Corporal David Galloway, Constable Dayne Williams. ISCF's Special Constable Ainsworth Smith, Woman Special Constable Marlene White, Woman Special Sergeant Carmalita Ricketts, and Special Corporal David Craddock.

voluntarily or materially contribution

The Superintendent's Civilian Award, given out to individuals or companies which have contributed voluntarily or materially to the Clarendon police and crime reduction, also formed part of the awards programme. Businesses that received awards were the Shagoury Group of Companies and Anthony Smatt in the Gold Category; Juici Patties and Jamalco in the Silver Category; and Cousins Construction Ltd and Hayman's Auto Parts in the Bronze Category.

Supt Dathan Henry issued a warning to the criminal elements in Clarendon that he and his team "will be coming in the lanes, bushes, and valleys and we are going to get you." He also cautioned the business community, telling interests that for the Christmas season they should be very careful. "Don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. Stagger your hours, and don't have a routine for the criminals to get an idea when to pounce."