Old Harbour police chief Romario Rankin promoted

The senior cop, in the constabulary’s recent force order, received the ascent of Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). 

Rankin, an officer of approximately 10 years in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has been the commander of Old Harbour since January 2025 replacing then DSP Mark Harris, who has been promoted to Superintendent and now heads the St Andrew Central Police Division.

His appointment in the current role forms part of the JCF’s strategic leadership reassignments. Since taking on the position, DSP Rankin has prioritized enhancing police-community relationships and actively addressing the concerns of the local business community regarding crime, while also backing initiatives such as the Old Harbour justice centre.

Operationally, Rankin has overseen the implementation of State of Emergency (SOE) measures and has worked to adjust curfew schedules in Old Harbour, carefully balancing security necessities with the need to sustain economic activity. 

His most significant accomplishment to date, as the commander, is attaining a 41% decrease in major crimes in southwest St Catherine. 

On Thursday, several members under Rankin’s command organized an appreciation event at the station where he was recognized for his strong leadership qualities. Also present were a few members of the business community who offered their own commendations to the top cop. 

Recently he appeared on Old Harbour’s The Solutions podcast where he spoke about his journey from deep rural Westmoreland, the challenges of being the top cop for Old Harbour and ambitions of becoming commissioner of police.