Two members of popular social media group Cheerful Company are balancing their growing profiles as viral content creators with careers in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
Avril Carrington, known as “Bonita,” and Keisha Punter, known as “KP,” opened up about the professional side of their lives during an appearance on the Cory Shepherd Podcast, discussing how they maintain boundaries between policing and the lighthearted personalities audiences see online.
Cheerful Company has built a significant following through games, challenges, humour and the natural chemistry between its three members, Carrington, Punter and Shanelle Felix, known as “Shinzypoo.”
However, away from the laughter and viral videos, Carrington and Punter continue to carry the responsibilities that come with being police officers.
During the interview, Punter explained that her experience in policing has taught her discipline and professionalism, which help her recognise when it is appropriate to show her content-creator personality and when she must operate strictly as an officer.
“I know where to draw the line. I know when to be serious,” she explained.
Punter said she does not view being a police officer and being a content creator as two incompatible identities.
Instead, Cheerful Company simply allows the public to see another side of her personality.
“I don’t think being a police officer and a content creator is two opposite things,” she said.
The discussion also revealed how their growing popularity can follow them into their professional lives.
Fans sometimes recognise the women while they are in uniform, creating situations where the officers must determine whether an interaction or request for a photograph is appropriate at that particular moment.
Carrington explained that she would not necessarily refuse a supporter asking for a photograph simply because she was wearing her uniform.
However, she stressed that she remains conscious of her environment, what she is doing at the time and her responsibilities as an officer.
The women also challenged the perception that becoming a police officer means someone’s personality must disappear behind the uniform.
They said officers can have a lighter and more personable side while still respecting the seriousness of their profession.
“You don’t always have to be rough and harsh,” Carrington said during the discussion.
She added that while police officers are sometimes required to be stern, they should still remain polite and avoid talking down to members of the public.
Despite their increasingly recognisable online personalities, the women stressed that Cheerful Company’s popularity does not compromise their values or responsibilities as police officers.
Their third Cheerful Company member, Shanelle Felix, also maintains a career outside content creation, working within the Public Service.
The revelation highlights a side of Cheerful Company that viewers watching their games and hilarious reactions may not immediately associate with the group.
Behind the viral videos are women continuing to maintain full-time professional careers while simultaneously developing a social media brand capable of attracting millions of views.
For Carrington and Punter, the distinction comes down to understanding the responsibility attached to each role.
Cheerful Company gives audiences an opportunity to see them laugh, compete and show their personalities.
When duty calls, however, they say they know where the content ends and policing begins.
