‘Truly humbling’ LASCO top cop urges colleagues to remain faithful to their oath

Overcome with emotion, Constable Joel Robinson dropped to his knees, giving thanks as he was announced as the recipient of the 2026 LASCO JCF Saluting Our Heroes Chairman Award yesterday.

The honour marked a major milestone in Robinson’s journey from the farming community of Riversdale, St Andrew, where a foundation of faith, perseverance and service would eventually shape an award-winning police career.

Reflecting on the significance of the achievement, Robinson was philosophical about what the award truly represents, insisting it was never about personal acclaim.

“Being entrusted with the LASCO Chairman’s Award has never been about being recognised as the best in the force, but about being reminded of the duty to give my best to the people we serve,” he said.

Attached to the Area 5 Police Division, Robinson emerged as the top recipient from a group of six finalists drawn from across the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The awards ceremony, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, also recognised 159 police officers for outstanding service and professionalism.

Calling the honour a “truly humbling moment”, Robinson said the award symbolises the unseen sacrifices police officers make every day.

“[It] represents the quiet work, long nights, the prayers we whisper before patrols and the risk we take without applause,” he said, noting that the recognition is not about being considered the best officer in the force, but about being reminded of his duty to always give his best.

Following his victory, the 13-year JCF veteran was promoted to the rank of corporal. Attached to the Community Safety and Security Unit in the St Catherine North Division, Robinson also serves as a school resource officer, working closely with students, teachers and parents to foster safer school environments and encourage positive behaviour.

Throughout his career, he has strengthened his skills through training in qualifying driving and maintenance, body camera operations and peer counselling.

Now wearing the stripes of a corporal, Robinson says his mission remains unchanged: to serve Jamaica with integrity, compassion and purpose. A passionate advocate for preventive policing, he believes lasting progress against crime lies in reaching young people before they are drawn into criminal activity.

“We cannot arrest our way out of crime as we must prevent our way out. I want to show Jamaica that behind the uniform is human heart that cares,” he said.

Robinson became emotional while reflecting on the role faith and family have played in his success. Fighting back tears, he credited God for every safe return home from duty and thanked his family for standing beside him throughout his career.

“Without him, I am nothing,” he said, adding “Every safe return from duty was God covering me”.

Robinson also expressed gratitude to relatives who made sacrifices so he could serve the nation.

He ended with a message to fellow officers, urging them to support one another, remain united and never lose sight of the people they serve.

“Look out for the at-risks youths who think crime is the only option and look out for the community member who has lost trust. Be present, be accountable and remain faithful to your oath,” Robinson said.