After just 18 months on the job, a no-nonsense young policeman has used up 14 ticket books on errant motorists in Hanover.

Constable Elton Ebanks has also made some 13 arrests, and the Commissioner of Police is pleased with his performance.

“Constable Ebanks’ performance in just one year and six months must be commended, especially for a division in the rural area,” Commissioner George Quallo said during a recent visit to the division.

“The early signs are encouraging, and I would encourage other members of our organisation to follow his lead.”

Head of the Police Traffic Division Senior Superintendent Calvin Allen told THE WESTERN STAR that there are 25 leaves in a traffic book, which means that Constable Ebanks has already dished out approximately 350 traffic tickets.

Allen was asked on an average scale, how many books he is accustomed to a policeman completing for a year, and he said that it varies.

“That man you hearing about might be one of the active persons,” Allen told THE WESTERN STAR. “You have situations where a man don’t finish a book for a year, so it varies.”

Ebanks told THE WESTERN STAR that he was encouraged to enlist in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) by a woman sergeant of police from his home district in Clarendon. She told him that he had the attributes the JCF was looking for.

“Yes, I know that I am considered a no nonsense police officer,” said Ebanks, a past student of Central High in May Pen, Clarendon.

“I personally believe that the practise of giving a ‘bly’ has hurt us more than it has helped our relationship with the citizenry.”

Nonetheless, Ebanks insists that he is a fair person.

Professionalism

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sharon Beeput, the commanding officer for the Hanover division, also had high praises for the young officer’s professionalism. She noted that she believes it is important for him to get the necessary guidance.

A proud member of the Seventh-Day Adventist faith, Ebanks has 19 siblings — six from his mother and 13 from his father.

“Yes, you can say I am the 20th because I am the wash belly for both my parents,” he said, breaking out with a big grin. “My father is very proud of me. He tells everyone that he has a son that is a policeman … That they should take care of me, but sadly, my mother passed away five years ago,” Ebanks said.

While Ebanks has high hopes of moving up the ranks in the JCF and thinks it is quite attainable, Ebanks is quite convinced that remaining humble while maintaining his integrity will be key to his success in the organisation.