The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: The musician in uniform

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Constable Leisha Rose performs during the 'Digicel Rising Stars' 2008 show, last Sunday. - Nathaniel Stewart

The police are expected to serve and protect, but in the case of Constable Leisha Rose, we can add 'entertain' to that list.

Rose is among the top-10 contenders on the most popular talent competition in Jamaica, the Digicel Rising Stars competition.

Rose, who was assigned to the Mandeville Police Division in January, has been serving in the police force for six years.

"I haven't been getting any opposition at all," she tells The STAR, when asked about support from her colleagues. "It wasn't a planned thing. I was on duty at the venue (Manchester High School) at the time. My sergeant was there and he didn't object, but he thought about it first," said Rose, who is now on a 70-day vacation, which should take her to the end of the competition.

Initial objections

Inspector Steven Moodie, executive member of the Police Federation, told The STAR that there were some initial objections to Rose's entry in the competition from senior members of the force, but that issue has been resolved.

"No one can interfere with her because she has been given verbal approval by the commissioner of police. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase something positive about the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)," said Moodie, while noting that the Police Federation fully supports Rose.

He added: "We are citizens of this country and we should be allowed to enter competitions. No one should prevent members (of JCF) from expressing their creative abilities. If it comes to the test, we will put legal resources to defend her in any tribunal."

Moodie also said other persons in the JCF had entered competitions, such as Comedy Buss, Tastee talent contest, the festival song competition and body-building competitions.

Constable Rose says she has been getting a "bunch of joy" from the public and the support from her co-workers has been wonderful.

"Dem (co-workers) 150 per cent supportive, from district constable to the highest rank. Bearing in mind that it's the votes that count, I am positive that I will be ranked in the top three. I am looking forward to the highest, 'cause I have enough confidence in myself," Rose said when she spoke to The STAR on her campaign trail.

Her support has been pouring in as her weekly 'Rosey Wednesdays' started yesterday in Williamsfield, Manchester.

However, many wonder if by being on televison every week, Rose will not become a visible and well-known target for criminals who want to harm the police. Rose takes this in stride and says she knows that as a cop, she is always a target for criminals, but believes she can use Rising Stars as a medium to showcase the JCF in a positive light.

"Since entering, I have been impacting positively on a lot of young people. As a Rising Star and a police, I want to channel my energy and influence the youth in a positive way," she said.

If she wins the competition, Leisha Rose believes she will have no problem with performing or touring and being a cop at the same time. She says she can manage her time well.

Three little birds: Girl group SLR makes a pretty picture as they compete at the Digicel Rising Star 2008 performance show on Sunday, August 3, 2008. - Nathaniel Stewart