Top cop award inspires ‘Officer Mullings’

The popular police officer, who celebrated his 36th birthday on November 2, is renowned for his unique policing strategy in which he incorporates his strong Christian values inculcated in him since he became a devotee at age 19.

Many times Mullings would use his gift of singing or preaching the gospel to resolve conflicts between warring factions within communities, a common scene that many have gotten accustomed to and quite appreciative of.

Such personality traits deservedly landed the police constable, currently based at the Point Hill Police Station, the Lasco Top Cop Award for the St Catherine North Police Division.

Since the turn of the century national conglomerate Lasco, in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), has been honouring police officers for their outstanding contribution at various levels.

Mullings is among this year’s elite batch of ‘top cops’ which has left the Church Pen, St Catherine native elated.

“I was overwhelmed,” said the proud dad of two boys. “It [the award] has also propelled me now to want to do more on a continual basis and want to be the best person I can truly be.

“It gives me joy and it let me feel like there is hope for persons who want to be the Lasco top cop or want to make better of themselves. It’s a blessing and I just want to give God thanks.”

As a gospel artiste who goes by the moniker ‘Officer Mullings’ he uses his charisma to good effect and is very popular among locals particularly in  the Spanish Town and Old Harbour areas. He has released four singles namely: Hallelujah Amen, Thank you Lord for the Blessings you Gave to Me, Mercy Without my Name, All Sinner People.

When on duty residents get to see him in full action, a skilled first honed singing at wakes during his former years. These days he’s frequently called to perform at major events hosted by the JCF, the government and the diplomatic corp.

He credits this manifestation, however, to his upbringing in the Church Pen Housing Scheme, where “I tried not to lean to that [negative] side but to use it as a stepping stone to be a better person”.

“So I use both the negative aspect and the positive aspect on how to impact people’s life to actually make me the person I am today,” he added.

He believes in almost every situation his natural character as a “people person” plays out in his policing work, which has not only served him well but even saved his life.

Recounting a situation he has spoken about on many occasions, Mullings said about three years ago he was on “special duty” and fell asleep, only to be awoken by the cold metal of a gunman’s gun, but was spared when the armed thug recognised who he was.

“I use this as a testimony wherever I go… and when I fell asleep I only feel someone bounced me and when I look up I was looking into the muzzle of a gun. I was so tired that night. But then the gunman said ‘oh you a good police man’ and walked away,” said Mullings, a member of the One Way Deliverance Church of God.

“But trust me, I didn’t go back to sleep,” he said laughing now. “I was so shocked, I was so frightened. But thanks be to God.”

Promotion

After such widespread recognition and obvious adulation from the people, Mullings oftentimes faces the tough question of why he has not been promoted. “It’s a question I personally cannot answer,” he declared. But the past student of Marlie Mount Primary, Spring Garden All-Age and Old Harbour High, says he will continue to blossom where he’s planted. At the moment he’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management at Union University in Florida, which should improve his chances of moving up the ranks.

“For me treating people well, or treating people good doesn’t shorten your pay, it only build your morale and let people see you in a positive way. So for me treating everyone with respect is the best way to go and that’s just my policy,” he told Old Harbour News.

“Everywhere I go I always deliver this message that the Jamaica Constabulary Force is still producing good officers”.

And with cops like Officer Mullings within its ranks, it’s hard to argue otherwise.