HERMAN RICKETTS, the former Commissioner of Police who died last week, will long be remembered for his distinguished and meritorious service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which he joined in 1951, retiring as its head some 40 years later.
A tall, dignified man with booming voice to match, he was not only upright of bearing but of character.
Disciplined and principled, he was well known for his punctuality, having, as he tells it, been once complimented as "annoying punctual", by an English officer with whom he had an appointment.
Herman Ricketts served with distinction at different times as a detective and in uniform and was well-rounded, demanding as a officer, a high level of detail and thoroughness and professionalism from those who reported to him.
During the six years that he served as Commissioner, he was responsible for several developments in the police force, and from which the Jamaica Constabulary has continued to benefit. Among the improvements which stood out under his watch, were the computerisation of the JCF, a vibrant community relations programme, the setting up of neighbourhood watches, the expansion of police youth clubs, the provision of a full-time chaplain to assist with welfare and behavioural problems, improved training at the level of the Staff College and a revived accelerated promotion scheme, and the seeking of increased training opportunities overseas for JCF members.
Herman Ricketts was a very practical man, recognising and articulating as he climbed up the ladder, that the Jamaica Constabulary could succeed in doing its job only by way of a very close partnership with the public.
Well regarded in the Jamaica Constabulary, he brought prestige to the office of Commissioner of Police, and was widely looked up to as a role model as he sought to instil professional pride in all members of the JCF. His influence stretched beyond Jamaica into the region where he became the first Jamaican to be president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police.
Despite his seemingly total devotion to duty, Commissioner Ricketts found time for extra-curricular activities, serving as chairman of the Police Credit Union or on its board, and as a member of the Kiwanis Club. On his retirement, he served on several commissions of enquiry.
Inside and outside the Jamaica Constabulary, Herman Ricketts was a fine officer and a gentleman.
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