GUIDED by the mantra “Faith over fear”, Sergeant Ricardo McCalpin approaches life’s challenges with a belief in what is possible through faith, perseverance, and purposeful action. It is a philosophy that has shaped his 16-year career in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and his commitment to helping young people recognise their potential and build better futures.

“I approach my tasks or goals with a belief that things will work and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” McCalpin said.

This belief, he emphasised, “extends beyond his personal ambitions to his service to Jamaica”.

McCalpin sees policing as an opportunity not only to enforce law, but also to invest in young people through education, sport, and mentorship while helping communities become safer and more resilient.

His commitment to this approach earned him the distinction of Popular Vote Champion in the LASCO, JCF Saluting Our Heroes Awards. He also placed second for the Chairman’s Award and for the coveted title of ‘top cop’. McCalpin’s entry in the public voting competition, hosted on the LASCO Chin Foundation (LCF) and JCF’s social media platforms, attracted over 54,000 views, 1,300 comments with 100 per cent positive sentiments and more than 2,000 shares and reposts combined, reflecting strong public support for his service and community engagement.

Reflecting on the achievement, McCalpin said the recognition provides a platform to highlight initiatives that empower Jamaica’s youth and support their development.

“I am feeling very excited about the outcome, and I am grateful to be the winner of the Most Popular Vote competition and second place for Chairman’s Award. I plan to invest in the learning centre we started in Bedward Gardens [in St Andrew] and seek more support for it so children can benefit from the homework assistance programme and other initiatives at the centre,” he said.

“I believe that policing must extend beyond responding to crime. We must also invest in people and help create conditions for them to succeed,” the police sergeant added.

McCalpin enlisted in the JCF on April 19, 2010, and was initially assigned to the Mobile Reserve Division. Two months later, he was transferred to the Community Safety and Security Branch where he began building a career centred on education, mentorship, youth engagement, and crime prevention.

He now serves as the National Police Youth Club coordinator, overseeing programmes designed to encourage positive relationships between the police and the communities they serve. His approach is informed by a strong academic foundation. He holds a diploma and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Diploma in Supervisory Management from HEART/NSTA Trust.

Yet, for McCalpin, education is not simply about acquiring qualifications. It is a practical tool for transforming lives.

“Certainly, I wanted to further my education and enhance my qualifications. However, working closely with young people also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of their challenges and concerns, build stronger connections with them, and better tailor the objectives of each initiative and project to their needs,” he explained.

He was a chief conceptualiser of the National Safe School Mentorship Programme, launched in 2014 across 40 schools islandwide. The initiative echoed his belief that safer learning environments and positive adult guidance are important to the development of young people.

Recognising that young people need different avenues for expression and development, McCalpin also introduced initiatives such as Fighting Crime with Rhymes, which uses music to encourage positive expression and social change, and supports the Rebirth Project, which uses community theatre to explore social issues through performance and discussion.

The impact of McCalpin’s work extends beyond organised youth programmes to the university community and the neighbourhoods in which students live and interact. Anna-Kay McIntosh Richards, programmes manager at the LASCO Chin Foundation, encountered his work while studying at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. She recalled his efforts to engage students and help foster a greater sense of safety in the community.

“He was persistent and consistent in his approach. Officer McCalpin would visit the campus to speak with students, mobilising people, and using his musical interests creatively to capture the attention of the university community. What stood out was his ability to connect with young people, build relationships and make a meaningful impact through his work,” McIntosh Richards shared.

Beyond his official duties, McCalpin has been instrumental in community development in August Town, where he has served as chairman of the Community Development Committee since 2022. Under his leadership, the committee has pursued improvements in infrastructure, education, environmental management, and public safety. Initiatives have included road rehabilitation, water supply improvements, the development of parks and green spaces, as well as infrastructure upgrades at Hope Valley Experimental and August Town Primary schools.

In 2024, the Community Development Committee achieved Social Development Commission verification and financial clearance from the Department of Co-operative and Friendly Societies. August Town also recorded zero murders in 2025, a significant community safety milestone reflecting the importance of sustained collaboration among residents and stakeholders. Earlier this year, McCalpin co-led the August Town Peace Building 7-A-Side Netball and Football Competition, using sport to promote community participation and peaceful coexistence. He also trains children between the ages of 10 and 15 in football, incorporating social and life skills into their development.

As part of his continued professional development, McCalpin will participate in a developmental course for sergeants aimed at preparing them for advancement to the rank of inspector. This forms part of the JCF’s efforts, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake, to strengthen their capacity as leaders and prepare law enforcers for greater responsibilities.

Through the LASCO, JCF Saluting Our Heroes Awards, LASCO and the LASCO Chin Foundation continue to recognise and celebrate the men and women of the JCF whose community-centred approach exemplifies the positive impact of policing. Sergeant McCalpin’s work demonstrated the value of officers who go beyond law enforcement to mentor young people, build trust, and help create pathways to a better future. By shining a spotlight on these unsung heroes, the programme seeks to inspire more offices to embrace service beyond the badge.