DCP Scarlett vows to stay active after leaving force
Published:Monday | January 10, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Laura Redpath, Senior Gleaner Writer
IN TWO days, Deputy Commissioner of Police Charles Scarlett will make the transition from active leader in the police force to active retiree.
As retirement approaches for the St Elizabeth-born Scarlett, who has served in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for 41 years, the outgoing deputy commissioner said he plans on spending some time reflecting on his service while looking towards future opportunities.
"I am looking forward to retirement," he told The Gleaner yesterday afternoon. "I will see what opportunities exist in business as that's a possibility."
The soon-to-be retiree, who was a force to be reckoned with in the JCF, said he might also take advantage of opportunities that could tap into his "barrel of experiences".
"I will not retreat into a state of inactivity as that will lead to physical and mental decline," he said.
Scarlett, who was 18 at the time, signed up for the police academy in 1969, fulfilling a dream that eventually yielded just over four decades of dedication and ambition.
"The police uniform itself inspired respect. Police, teachers, nurses and ministers of religion all inspired respect," he recalled.
Scarlett was one of three friends who used to discuss what they wanted to be when they grew up.
"My friends both went on to becoming ministers of religion. I, on the other hand, was struck by the beauty of the uniform," he said, his voice carrying a lilt of admiration. "My dad was also a World War II veteran and a part-time special constable. That, too, may have influenced me."
His childhood dream became a reality and Scarlett remembered the days that were different from the contemporary.
"The majority of the force brought a commitment and passion that enabled them to carry out their work. Society was gentle and was driven less by controversy and disorder."
In 2010, the JCF had damning experiences such as the armoury weapons leak. Throughout last year, the police force had to address nearly 400 disciplinary cases to eradicate issues of corruption and unprofessionalism.
"My disappointment had to do more with the negative changes in society and the way those changes affected the image of the police force," Scarlett said, explaining that he thought misdeeds within the force stemmed from materialism.
Miss mentoring
Scarlett, who will miss interaction with rookie cops and mentorship of other members of the force, reminded those who continue to serve Jamaica that development can't take place without order.
"We have an obligation as a society to support all legitimate and lawful activities of the police force," he stressed.
However, the worldly Scarlett, who has travelled extensively across the continents, said the positive experiences he had will outweigh his disappointments.
"I leave with a sense of achievement, no personal disappointments and no bitterness."
The veteran, who once started out as a rookie policeman in Area 1, made his way up through the ranks to sergeant, inspector, superintendent and eventually to Area 1 commander.
He was then promoted to deputy commissioner and assumed responsibilities as inspector-general while Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin commanded the police force.