In this fourth installment of our Security in the Americas series, Matthew Porcelli, CPP speaks with Nichelle Duncan from the ASIS International – Jamaica Chapter.

What are the most pressing security challenges you are facing in your region?

In reference to the Caribbean region or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), there are several security challenges that we face. Paramount among these are firearms trafficking, cybersecurity, trafficking in persons and maritime security.

In my opinion, the most significant of these is firearms trafficking. Although each of these may have a symbiotic effect on each other, the ease at which illicit firearms find the hands of criminals through the porous and poorly monitored borders is concerning and is largely responsible for the high rate of homicides within the region.

Can you describe your journey in the world of security?

While my dream was to join the Jamaica Constabulary Force, as fate would have it, I started my security-focused career in 2001 as a Fingerprint Technician in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in the Overseas Employment Program. I was later promoted to oversee the Fingerprint Unit as Senior Fingerprint Technician.

In 2011, I joined the Protective Security Unit in the Ministry of National Security as a Safety and Security Inspector and then in 2017, I joined the Firearm Licensing Authority as a Firearm Examination Manager. I am currently the Manager of the Inspections and Monitoring Unit (IMU) at the Police Civilian Oversight Authority since December 2019.

Tell us about your journey within ASIS and how it has helped you in your career? 

My journey started in ASIS when I earned the Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification in 2015 when I joined the Jamaica Chapter. I immediately began to serve my chapter by volunteering in various positions. In an effort to establish myself in the security industry, I earned the prestigious Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation in November 2021.

Of course, my journey did not stop there. On 27 March 2022, I earned the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) designation. These achievements created history for my chapter where I not only became the 11th member of the Jamaica Chapter to earn the “triple crown”, I became the first female member to do so. My passion for the industry and my chapter drove me further and I was elected to serve as the first female Chairperson for the Jamaica Chapter serving for the administrative year 2022/2023.

You can connect with Matthew on LinkedIn here.

To read the previous piece about ASIS International – Mexico, click here.