Sh-Shanna Ellington ’24, Ph.D.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Dec. 2, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University alumna Dr. Sh-Shanna Ellington ’24, armed with the “can-do” spirit instilled in her at the University, has been promoted to Superintendent of Police in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
It is a milestone moment not just of personal achievement but one of profound responsibility, she said.
“What’s next is the relentless pursuit of a safer Jamaica,” Dr. Ellington said. “I am focused on establishing a model of policing that is people-focused, quality-driven, technology-intensive, deeply integrated with the community, and so professionally effective that it becomes a sustainable, international standard.”
As Jamaica gains international recognition as a model for addressing crime, Dr. Ellington said she is excited to lead during this critical moment of change.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to move beyond traditional policing models and fully implement a technology-driven, community-centric, and evidence-based approach,” Dr. Ellington said. “This is a pivotal time where global best practices are converging with strong political will and community engagement right here in Jamaica.”
Her priorities center on the JCF’s Transformation 2.0 strategic framework. She outlined the Commissioner’s three focus areas: professional development, data-driven policing, and public engagement. She plans to emphasize integrity in training, implement predictive policing tools, and strengthen trust between officers, residents, and community leaders. The Jamaican government has set a goal of reducing murders to under 1,000, a milestone not achieved since 2003, and some experts believe that, if current trends continue, the number could even fall below 800.
Dr. Ellington credits her time at PVAMU, which she said gave her a critical understanding of the societal issues driving crime, as well as imparted the importance of intellectual rigor, transformational leadership, and evidence-based decision-making.
“The program stressed rigorous research methodology, ethical leadership, and the crucial intersection of law, sociology, strategic policy, and community development,” she said.
Her story is one of “resilience, service, and boundless ambition.”
Dr. Ellington, from Kingston, Jamaica, who earned her PhD in juvenile justice at PVAMU in 2024, was the first in her family to earn a PhD.
Dr. Ellington, from Kingston, Jamaica, who earned her PhD in juvenile justice at PVAMU in 2024, was the first in her family to earn a PhD.
Now, almost 16 years on the force, she assumes the role of Superintendent of Police with a vision for the future.
Her goal is to integrate data-driven strategies, technological advancements, and her background in juvenile justice to create lasting, sustainable, positive change.
Her passion for youth empowerment remains central to her work, and she plans to expand restorative justice practices, police-youth mentorship programs, and partnerships with schools and community groups.
For current students and alumni at the University, Dr. Ellington advised, “Never stop learning and embrace uncomfortable challenges.”
But above all, she said, let integrity be “your non-negotiable capital.”
“In a world of compromise, let your integrity be your absolute foundation,” Dr. Ellington said. “People will follow your character long before they follow your title.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Ellington said her vision is to build a safer Jamaica through a modern, community-focused policing model.
“The legacy I hope to build is not just one of lower crime rates, but one of a reformed and trusted police institution, where every citizen, especially the most vulnerable, feels safe, respected, and served,” she said.
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-