The Management of the Jones Communications Network (JCN) and a special Committee of The Civil Society and Person of The Year Awards are pleased to announce that Ms. Shanta Knowles, the next Commissioner of Police is the JCN Person of the Year for 2024.
Every year for over two decades JCN gives the award to the person who has used head, heart and hands to promote the common good for the overall growth and development of The Bahamas.
Making the announcement Ms. Kimaley Jones, Chief Executive Officer of JCN said, “the historic appointment of Ms. Knowles as Commissioner of Police is groundbreaking as she becomes the first female to head The Royal Bahamas Police Force since women were allowed to join the Constabulary in 1964.”
Ms. Jones congratulates Ms. Knowles on her high level of personal integrity, hard work and excellence in the performance of her duties since becoming a police officer.
Shanta Knowles has over 33 years of distinguished service in the Royal Bahamas Police Force. She was the first female to command the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) overseeing major crimes nationwide. Her most recent posting was Commander of Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahama. She has held leadership roles in the Family Island Districts of Exuma and Eleuthera, the National Crime Prevention Office, Human Resources Department and has served as Commandant of the Police Reserves.
Ms. Knowles served as a top investigator for 28 years, handling serious crimes such as rape, armed robbery and murder. She successfully led the investigation of The Bahamas’s first human trafficking case. She also managed the Sexual Offences and Trafficking in Persons squads with precision and dedication. She was the first female to command an official parade for the Governor-General of The Bahamas. She has also served as Director of the National Crime Prevention Office.
Ms. Knowles is an active member of the Kiwanis Club and the Association of Commissioners of Police. A devout Anglican, she attends Christ The King Anglican Church and is dedicated to helping others and building stronger communities. She has been recognized with awards like the Meritorious Award and the Commissioner’s Commendation.
Shanta Knowles has extensive global training and has built an outstanding rapport with international partners. She has training in Anti-Human Trafficking, Financial Investigations, Leadership and Police Intelligence. Ms. Knowles has earned certifications from Italy, El Salvador, Barbados, Florida and London’s City and Guild Institute.
The new Commissioner will receive the award the Person of The Year Award in a special ceremony on January 27th, 2025 in the JCN Media Theatre on University Drive.
