Vincentian Junior O. Simmons, a superintendent of police in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), has been recognised as the Top Caribbean Community Policing Officer.
Simmons was honoured with the award on Tuesday during the 38th annual meeting and conference of the 25-member Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), in Belize.
The awards are presented in conjunction with Amalgamated Security Services Limited (ASSL) as part of the ACCP/ASSL Regional Recognition Awards Programme, which honours outstanding police officers from ACCP member forces.
The awards programme recognises outstanding police officers across the Caribbean, honouring them in three key categories: Top Caribbean Community Policing Officer, Top Caribbean Crime Fighter, and Top Caribbean Career Move.
Each year, the top officer in each category is awarded a trophy, a round trip, and a cash prize of US$5,000, which they direct towards a charitable cause or initiative of their police force’s choosing.
“I am very humbled to have won such a coveted regional award for my efforts in championing community policing,” Simmons said.
“I thank the Almighty God for His blessings and favour over my life. I thank Commissioner Williams for nominating me for the award. My wife and my immediate family have been a pillar of strength and support to me. I thank them profusely,” he further said.
“My staff, colleagues, and members of the general public who have collaborated and assisted me in forging new and stronger police/public relationships, I thank them for their partnership,” Simmons said.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Enville Williams congratulated Simmons on behalf of the RSVGPF.
“His dedication and service are exemplary, and this recognition underscores his unwavering commitment to enhancing community relations and ensuring public safety,” the police chief said.
“As we look forward to Superintendent Simmons’ continued contributions, we are confident that his efforts will further strengthen the bonds between the RSVGPF and the communities we serve,” Williams further said.
The award programme acknowledges officers who have made significant strides in reducing crime, strengthening community relationships, enhancing safety and security, and contributing positively to their police force, their community and the Caribbean.
Simmons, who has over three decades of service, epitomises dedication and excellence in the RSVGPF, the force said in a press release.
The release said that since enlisting on July 15, 1993, Simmons has consistently exceeded the expectations of his roles, garnering prestigious recognitions such as Best Recruit, Best at Police Duty Subjects, Commissioner’s Trophy, and the Baton of Honour from his initial training.
“His career is marked by significant contributions in a variety of critical areas including Beat and Patrol, Special Branch, Narcotics, and Family Court, as well as leadership roles in several district stations,” the release said.
“This wide-ranging expertise not only highlights his dedication to public safety but also underscores his versatility and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of law enforcement.”
The release said that Simmons has excelled in promoting community policing within the organisation and across communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“As one of the primary liaisons between the RSVGPF and the public, he has been instrumental in reviving dormant Neighborhood Watch Groups and forming new ones. His efforts are pivotal in rebuilding the RSVGPF’s image and trust with the community, engaging with schools, faith-based organisations, civil societies, and other critical stakeholders to enhance the relationship between the police and the public.
“Superintendent Simmons has been a driving force behind several key initiatives, including the RSVGPF’s community walkabouts, concerts, and the National Firearms Amnesty. His tireless efforts have positioned him as a role model within the police force, earning him respect from colleagues and the wider community. His leadership extends to the Police Youth Clubs, where his positive influence has seen the number of clubs grow from 22 to 31 under his tenure.
“Superintendent Simmons exemplifies the ethos of the RSVGPF: Service. As a spokesperson for the force, he continually promotes strategic imperatives such as adapting to modern law enforcement challenges, responding to community needs, and ensuring citizen safety and security.”