Lucius Thomas (centre), commissioner of police, and Lascelles Chin (left), chairman and chief executive officer of the LASCO Group, are all ears as Leon Rose, assistant commissioner of police, shares a comment. Occasion was the LASCO/Jamaica Constabulary Force Police Officer of the Year press briefing at the commissioner's Old Hope Road, St. Andrew, offices yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Police chief Lucius Thomas yesterday announced that the LASCO/Jamaica Constabulary Force Police Officer of the Year Programme has been revamped to provide more incentives for the three top awardees.

The programme was started in 2001 and originated from a proposal from the head of the LASCO Group of Companies, Lascelles Chin. Commissioner Thomas said the award came when the force was going through terrible times and needed a positive image.

Speaking during the launch of the new-look programme, Commissioner Thomas said the winner of the award will receive a cash incentive of $200,000. This represents a 100 per cent increase. Individuals finishing second and third will receive cash prizes of $100,000 and $50,000, respectively.

Scholarships

"We all know that monetary incentives are always welcomed by members of the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force), but to me, of greater and more lasting significance is the fact that for the first time scholarships to tertiary institutions will be awarded to the top cop and his or her runner-up," the police chief told the gathering at his Old Hope Road, St. Andrew, offices.

The value of the scholarship for the Top Cop will be $300,000 over three years and the runner-up will get a scholarship of $100,000 for one year.

"I applaud the introduction of these scholarships as part of the overall package of the award. These scholarships will create new educational opportunities for the recipients and will have a long-lasting effect on the quality of their lives and will ultimately benefit the JCF," he said.

Commissioner Thomas also announced that the LASCO Top Cop will be transferred to the Community Relations Branch of the JCF where he or she will receive additional training and will undertake a one-year calendar of activities identified by both LASCO and the police force.

In his remarks, Mr. Chin said LASCO will be providing an annual budget of $2.7 million for the programme. He urged Jamaicans to respect policemen and women and work with them to make Jamaica safer for all.

This year's participants will be judged on six main areas:

- Work ethics, which include commitment, dedication and loyalty.

- Working relationships with the public and other team members.

- Involvement in community or other social initiatives.

- Professional knowledge, including knowledge of the corporate strategy and responses to operating procedures.

- Knowledge of National and international affairs.

- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.