For 19-year-old Constable Raheem Brown, graduating from the National Police College of Jamaica was another hurdle conquered in his quest to follow in his father’s footstep and be of service to his country.
His father, Detective Inspector Rohan Brown, who serves as the officer in charge of the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) in the Portland Division, has taught him the importance of determination. The senior cop’s own journey in the force has been marked by resilience and a commitment to push forward despite obstacles that presented themselves along the way.
Detective Inspector Rohan Brown joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in 1994, but his life took a dramatic turn in 2000 when he lost his sight following a motor vehicle accident.
Refusing to be defined by his circumstances, the senior cop pursued training at the Jamaica Society for the Blind, where he developed skills in computing and Braille. His perseverance paid off when he was reinstated to the JCF in 2006 as a detective constable.
His career progression continued steadily. Five years later, he was promoted to corporal, and in 2012 he advanced to the rank of sergeant. By 2019, he had risen to the rank of detective inspector—an achievement that speaks volumes about his dedication and capability.
It was a proud moment for father and son who embraced each other after Raheem graduated last month. Reflecting on his own journey, Raheem had high praises for his father. He credited him for being a pillar of strength and guidance, noting that he stood firmly by him and his sister, helping to shape their lives and inspire their achievements.
Following the loss of their mother, Raheem shared that his father stepped up in an even greater way, ensuring that both children remained focused and determined despite the challenges they faced.
“This moment is something that I think I will never forget. This is something that I’ve been looking forward to for a very long time. And I am sure that my father is proud,” he said in a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Instagram post.
For Detective Inspector Brown, the defining moment in his role as a father came with the passing of Raheem’s mother. Speaking with deep emotion, he reflected on his son’s decision to follow in his footsteps.
“I guess he decided that, ‘Look, I want to go the way that my father says.’ It means a lot. It’s just heartbreaking that his mother is not here to share in this moment, because I know she would have been proud of him. She would have been very proud of him,” he said in the same post.
Despite the sadness of her absence, there was comfort in the presence of family, as Raheem’s sister was also there to support and celebrate his milestone achievement.
Detective Inspector Brown has consistently expressed gratitude for the institution he serves. In an article published on the JCF website, he commended the organisation for its support of officers with disabilities.
“The force has been a leader and trendsetter in taking care of disabled members. It is nice to know that even as a blind person, I can assist people to rise above their challenges, and when I go home in the evenings, I feel fulfilled knowing that I can help,” he said.
In his current role within the Community Safety and Security Branch in Portland, he plays a vital role in mentoring and counselling individuals across schools, youth clubs and communities. He is especially passionate about supporting the special needs community, using his own experiences to inspire others.
“It is very important to me because, being disabled myself, I want the public to know that we can participate in sports and we can do things that able-bodied people can do. We just do it differently once we take on the challenge,” he added.
Looking ahead, Detective Inspector Brown expressed confidence in his son’s future, noting that Raheem now has the opportunity to surpass his own achievements within the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Together, their story stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, family strength and the enduring impact of service.