Veteran police officer Jonathan Nicholls retires

Veteran police officer Jonathan Nicholls, who earned a reputation over the years as one of the most versatile and reliable members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, has retired.

Nicholls ended his career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) {{more}}in charge of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Public Relations and Complaints Department. He had earlier proceeded on pre-retirement leave, which ran from April 1, 2015 to July 25, 2015. His tenure lasted 33 years and four months.

About his retirement plan, Nicholls said: “I am just relaxing. I have neglected my personal development to an extent over the years, but I will work on that. I intend to be more involved in my church and will like to pursue a degree in theology. God has blessed me with a number of skills and talents and I will like to continue to work with the youth.” He added: “If the Lord continues to bless me with health and strength I want to continue to serve the country in whatever area I can.”

Nicholls was enlisted as a member of the local constabulary on December 1, 1981, and went off to the Old Montrose Police Training School for his initial training in law enforcement. He graduated in May 1982, copping the Best Recruit Award and the Baton of Honour, as well as two other awards of the seven that were up for grabs.

His journey as a police officer started as a beat officer; then his dedication to his work saw him being transferred to the Traffic Department, where he made a name for himself.

“I dealt with people in a professional manner. Even people who I took to court, we are still friends today,” said Nicholls. After two and a half years at the Traffic Department, Nicholls was transferred to Union Island. “After 10 months, I was recalled to the Traffic Department. It was said that the standard on the road had fallen and I was one of the persons reassigned to Traffic.”

He was later sent to a Caribbean Traffic Management Course in Barbados, where he topped the course and received the top student award, after receiving 100 per cent final grade in his exams. “That served as the launching pad for my career.”

Nicholls’ first promotion came on April 1, 1988, where as the most junior constable at the Traffic Department, he was promoted to the rank if Corporal. The police promotional exam was reintroduced and Nicholls had placed second overall. In September 1989, Nicholls was transferred to the Police Training School as an instructor, where he applied himself and received several regional training courses, developing himself as one of the most resourceful instructors in the region. On January 1st, 1991, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and later Station Sergeant on May 1st, 1998.

On January 4, 1999, the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department was established to build closer ties between the local constabulary and the public. Against this backdrop, Nicholls was chosen to be second in command at the Department to former Superintendent of Police Artis Davis, who was Assistant Superintendent of Police then.

“From the foundation of the office, we launched several initiatives to improve the relationship with the public and the media, which was at an all-time low. We reaped success in the upcoming years with cultural educational programmes alongside NGOs and various community groups,” said Nicholls, who was promoted to the rank of Inspector on July 1, 2002, and Assistant Superintendent of Police (Acting) on November 1, 2010, which was later confirmed on May 1, 2011.

Among the highlights of his career, Nicholls said he was instrumental in introducing a quarterly thanksgiving service, a calypso competition, a karaoke, and a carolling contest in the constabulary. He also engaged in the restructuring of the Police Youth Clubs, and assisting with organizing proper security for interschool sports, which was plagued by incidents. He was also the first host of the Police On the Beat programme.

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles and the rank and file of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force wish Nicholls all the best in his future endeavours.