Armed with 13 subjects Rohan Francis marches into JCF

After leaving high school with 13 subjects, Rohan Francis struggled to find work in corporate Jamaica. Despite his academic achievements, stability remained elusive until he landed a job as a legal clerk.

But the long-awaited call to train with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) changed everything.

Although Francis began training on January 19, 2025, his application to the JCF had been submitted long before.

"I was called multiple times to do the fitness tests and medical, which I passed, but I kept waiting. I was almost about to give up, when I got called again," he said.

Training tested both body and mind.

"I did sports in high school so I was used to strenuous activities, but [in the] first month, a board drop pon my big toe and fractured it. I wondered if this was it," Francis said.

"But with support from instructors and my 'why' in mind, I pushed through," he added.

Last week, Francis stood proudly among 287 new constables as he graduated from the National Police College of Jamaica.

"It was a humbling moment, but one I am very proud of," Francis said. "I consider it to be a milestone in my journey, seeing that I'm the first in my family to become a police officer."

The moment was made even more special because of who was watching. Before marching onto the parade ground, Francis video-called his mother, who had migrated when he was 14, leaving him with his father in Old Harbour Bay.

"She could not hold back the tears," he said. "She has been my motivator and the primary motivation behind anything I do," he said.

Francis credits his resilience to his support system.

"When I left high school, I applied for multiple jobs, and even tried farming. I had 13 subjects but couldn't get a job. The encouragement from family and friends kept me going."

Francis has learnt more than law-enforcement skills; he has learnt discipline, empathy, and how to connect with people.

"It is not just about law, but about people, and how to connect with them to ensure the law is followed. I can say that has been my greatest lesson at training school," Francis said.

Superintendent Lawrence Ogilvie, commander of the National Police College of Jamaica, said the institution deliberately instils that mindset.

"They've been in training for just over a year and embarked on three phases of training," he explained, noting that the final phase places recruits in select divisions to prepare them for real policing, intelligence work and problem-solving.

"Generally, I think the attitude towards training was good, and we are confident that the attitude displayed will be sufficient enough to help them transition into full-fledged police officers."

Mentors like Donahue Martin emphasised the importance of perseverance.

"Rohan's journey shows that with determination and support, one can achieve monumental success," Martin said.

As he steps into operational policing, Francis is committed to serving with integrity.

"The discipline and values we gained at the National Police College extend beyond police work. We are prepared to make a difference in our communities and our country."