History of the Jamaica Police Federation

The organisation emerged during turbulent times, following the 1938 labour unrest in Jamaica. Police officers faced poor wages, limited rights, and lacked formal representation mechanisms.

The Jamaica Police Federation was officially commissioned on 20 October 1944. According to contemporary reporting, it was created to prevent police officers from joining trade unions, providing instead “a channel through which members will make representations”. It was established by the Bustamante Government in response to the Trade Union Congress’s efforts to unionise police personnel.

The Federation received its legal foundation through the Constabulary Force Act, which established the regulatory structure for the organisation. Despite this formal recognition, the institution was initially described as having limited enforcement power.

The first committee members were Sub-Inspector Simeon A. Bailey, Sergeant Major C. N. Brown, Sergeant Major J. N. Ricketts, Detective/Sergeant J. E. Pommels, Sergeant G. S. Anderson, Corporal D. L. Scott, Corporal A. A. Dyer, Detective/Acting Corporal A. A. Smith and Second Class Constable H. E. Williams.

• Only two constables have served as chairman: E. K. Loban and Franz Morrison.
• Corporal Arleen McBean: first female chairman.
• Inspector Jacqueline Brown: longest-serving female General Secretary (2008–2011, 2012–2013).