Minutes before Detective Sergeant, Sherlock Houston was presented with this year’s Best Cop Award, Police Commissioner Henry Greene yesterday urged the ranks gathered at the ‘A’ Division annual awards ceremony to stick to the Force’s motto to serve and protect.
Houston who is attached to the Brickdam Police Station was yesterday recognized for his involvement in the numerous arrests of wanted persons, the Ministry of Health fire investigation and 30 narcotics cases which resulted in the seizure of marijuana and cocaine.
He was branded a “reliable and dependable person” who worked beyond the call of duty.
Houston, who also received one of 12 Laparkan awards, was among 29 ranks who were rewarded for their dedicated service to the Force and the community during the year.
Corporal Delmar Jack, who is attached to the Commander’s Registry received the runner-up cop award from National Hardware and is also the best rank for this month.
Commissioner Greene, in his charge congratulated the awardees for their hard work throughout the year and challenged the others to make an effort to win an award next year.
He noted that the work of the ranks in `A’ Division has been fairly good and he has noticed a drop in serious crimes which is presently at -11% when compared to last year.
“When the Division declines in crime, the Force declines in crime”, he said before commending the female ranks who manage the 911 line, noting that they deserve a special award for their work.
He stated that plans are in place to install a recording system which will help to ensure greater efficiency within this group, whose work is reflective of what is happening in the Division.
Greene said too that the ranks who are court prosecutors also ought to be recognized for the work they are doing.
He urged the ranks to “do us proud this Christmas… Let us have no reports that persons have used excessive force, are demanding money from people, not going through with cases… Let us have reports of good work”.
Response to reports made at Police Station he added is a key element of good policing work and ranks should not make the shortage of vehicles an excuse. He said that even if it means getting a vehicle from the Impact Base that should be done. Greene later said that he was awarding $300, 000 to the ranks of the Division.
Meanwhile the newly appointed commander of ‘A’ Division, George Vyphuis said that he is seeking to ensure that the pictures of all those who have received the Laparkan Award are put on a plaque that was placed at the Brickdam Station.
He said that at first the award was confined to the ranks at the station but it has now been extended to the entire division.