Constable Powell shows resilience to overcome obstacles
At 29, Constable Chantel Powell stands out not only for her unconventional career path as a police officer, a holder of a degree in forensics and being a poet, but also for her remarkable journey from marginalised beginnings to success.
Powell, who hails from Copperwood in Clarendon, is the 16th child in a family of 17 children, all of whom have had to face the challenges of poverty. Despite the obstacles, Powell’s determination, coupled with her parents’ resilience, has propelled her to achieve her dreams, and to emerge as a true inspiration to all who know her story.
Powell’s journey into law enforcement and forensics began with a revelation during her tenure as a chemistry teacher at Cornwall College in Montego Bay.
“Truth be told, that was a transitional phase for me,” she explained. “But then, during my research when I was making the decision to come into the force, I realised that this organisation is multifaceted.”
Her decision to join the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and her ultimate enlisting in July 2021, was not merely about pursuing a career in forensics, but also about aligning with her purpose.
“I’m into public speaking, and I get to go to different stakeholders, schools, churches, community meetings and gatherings,” noted Powell. “These places allow me to empower individuals through speaking and sharing.”
Her upbringing serves as the foundation upon which she continues to build her success.
“Where we are coming from as a family, nobody expected us to be a shining light and a driving force for anything positive or good,” she acknowledged. “We were ridiculed, ostracised, almost condemned because of the level of lack and depravity that we faced.”
However, her mother’s unwavering support and prayers, despite their marginalised status, played a pivotal role in shaping her trajectory.
“My mom never stopped pushing and praying and ensuring that certain principles and laws are inculcated in us,” she revealed. “Today, we truly are fruits of that prayer and faithful mother that we have in Miss Gloria Powell.”
The poetic police officer and her siblings’ success defies the status quo.
“If I tell you, you’d say it’s really a wonder how it is that a poor family could facilitate two siblings going to university,” she remarked. “But we have a God, and I have to attribute our success and our growth to a God who is faithful, and a God who hears the cry of the poor.”
She noted that while her mother expresses immense pride in her achievements, she believes her father would also be very proud of her. But sadly, he passed away during her third year at the University of Technology. However, she can still imagine how he would be smiling with unparalleled excitement at her accomplishments. “Mommy is just filled with unbridled joy right now. I was speaking to her earlier this morning, because she was watching the performance on YouTube on Monday when I performed at the commissioner of police handing over ceremony, and she was just excited, cheering me on and praising God.” Despite her demanding career in law enforcement, Powell finds balance by integrating her passion for poetry into her
professional life.
“Forensics refers to the professional part of my career, while poetry is the skill I use,” she explained.
Powell’s commitment to uplifting others is evident in her book, Esprit de Corps, where she shares her experiences as a police officer through daily devotionals.
“These nuggets, or devotions, are encounters I would have come across as a police officer and the inspiration I got from them,” she said.
Noting how easy it is to overlook the fundamental elements that set one on their path in life, she compared it to constructing a house, highlighting the importance of not forgetting the initial framework that leads to success. While new additions are valuable, she emphasised the need to remain grounded in core principles. She then affirmed her dedication to applying these foundational building blocks as she advances in her career in law enforcement, forensics and poetry.