CCN CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF COMMUNICATION, TRANSFORMATION AND LEGACY
The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Constabulary Communications Network (CCN) marked a historic milestone with its 50th Anniversary Jubilee Gala at the AC Marriott Hotel, Kingston, celebrating five decades of service, innovation, and transformation in police communications.
The gala brought together generations of communicators, leaders, and partners in a tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation, the dedicated professionals who continue to advance the organisation’s vision, and the emerging storytellers and digital communicators who will carry the legacy forward.
The evening highlighted the remarkable evolution of the JCF’s communications function. Prior to the establishment of CCN, the Police Information Centre (PIC), formed in 1976, served primarily as a records and information confirmation unit at a time when communication between the police and the media was often limited and delayed.
A defining turning point came in 1999 under the strategic leadership of retired Senior Superintendent Mr. James Forbes, who spearheaded a restructuring initiative designed to align the communications arm with the evolving needs of the JCF, while strengthening relationships with Jamaica’s media fraternity.
Reflecting on that period, Forbes noted:
“I wanted to understand some of the challenges the media experienced when interacting with the JCF’s communications arm. So we disseminated a 30-40-question survey designed to quickly identify key areas requiring improvement, particularly timeliness, accuracy and access to information.”
That assessment ultimately led to the birth of the Constabulary Communications Network. Among its earliest innovations was the introduction of CCN Liaison Officers, with trained representatives in each police division responsible for gathering, verifying, and disseminating information. These officers received specialised training in media relations, speech delivery, and television presentation from distinguished media professionals, including the late District Constable Michael Sharpe and veteran broadcaster Colonel Fay Ellington.
The restructuring ushered in a new era of public engagement and transformed the way the JCF communicated with Jamaicans.
The evening also celebrated leaders whose vision and commitment helped shape CCN’s success. Among them was former CCN leader Ionie Ramsey-Nelson, who witnessed firsthand the organisation’s extraordinary growth and Modernisation. Reflecting on the gala presentation, she remarked:
“This 50th gala celebration blew my mind. It was on an international production standard. I felt like I was a part of the Emmys.”
Throughout the celebration, former and current team members were recognised with awards and commemorative tokens in honour of their significant contributions to CCN’s development and success.
Former CCN Commander, Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, reflected on the department’s journey and her own role in its transformation.
“Today, I look back with pride. Pride in the award-winning department we have. Knowing that I played an extensive role in its creation and transformation.”
She added:
“I have served the CCN. And I have led its transformation. Either as Team Lead or as Commanding Officer. On three separate occasions.”
SSP Lindsay also acknowledged the strength of the foundation built within the organisation, which enabled leadership continuity through successive generations, including the current Commanding Officer, Senior Superintendent Dahlia Garrick.
SSP Garrick, who was also honoured during the gala, reflected on her personal and professional journey within CCN.
“I have spent more than two decades in this CCN family, from my early years as an Inspector learning the discipline and delicacy of police communication, to the many roles that shaped my professional identity, and now as the head of the very unit that raised me. I stand here not only as your Commanding Officer, but as a daughter of this legacy.”
She further highlighted the dedication required of communications professionals:
“I know this work. I know its weight, its pace, its pressure. I know what it is to be out from sun up to sundown, navigating operations, breaking news, national emergencies, and the emotional toll of communicating difficult truths. I know what it is to be called at midnight, at dawn, or during your child’s school event because the country needed information and CCN had to respond.”
Today, CCN stands as a nationally recognised communications institution, leveraging digital innovation, strategic storytelling, and professional excellence to amplify the voice of the Jamaica Constabulary Force while safeguarding the credibility and reputation of the organization. As it celebrates 50 years of legacy and transformation, CCN remains committed to shaping the future of police communications in Jamaica and beyond.
