Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St Catherine:

Female members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) now have an association to deal specifically with their welfare.

The Jamaica Association of Women Police (JAWP) was officially launched at the Jamaica Police Academy in Twickenham Park, St Catherine on Thursday, April 24. The event attracted women police from several divisions across the island.

With the formation of the new association, female cops believe their interests will be better represented in the JCF.

Retired stalwart, Hyacinth Stewart-Williamson - the third female police to reach the rank of assistant commissioner of police - was also on hand. She lauded the effort of the new group, advising them that there was a new paradigm and that they should remain focused.

"Antigua has seen its first female police commissioner and I'm hoping that this will happen soon," she noted.

OPERATING GLOBALLY

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevene Bent-Brooks, while echoing the sentiments of Williamson, reminded the female police members that they were operating in a global environment and that there should be benefits for the members of the new group, which is also part of the International Association of Police Women.

She noted that with 50 per cent of the JCF members serving the force for 10 years, part of the mandate of the (JAWP) must be to provide mentorship.

Police Commissioner Hardley Lewin welcomed the new group, describing it as a "breath of fresh air", but urged the membership that it must not be just another talk shop.

The JCF began recruiting women in 1949 with three. However, over the years that number has grown steadily to about 1,874 now.