Richard Ricks

Background

About Richard Ricks

Richard Ricks retired as a Captain of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in the Homeland Security Bureau after a 34 year law enforcement career in Houston, Texas. As Field Operations Captain of Homeland Security, Rick’s duties included supervising the SWAT team, Bomb, Marine and Air Support Units. These units were responsible for counter-terrorism operations as well as providing security for high profile events such as the NCAA Final Four, and Super Bowl 51. They are responsible for daily patrol of the Port of Houston and other critical infrastructure located within the greater Houston area. During his 34 year career, Captain Ricks served in various assignments including Detentions, Patrol, Homicide, Robbery, Burglary and Theft, and Narcotics/Vice. Captain Ricks also served as Commander of the Internal Affairs Div. for 2 years. Captain Ricks holds a Master Peace Officer certification from the state of Texas and is a TCOLE licensed Instructor. He is a graduate of the Houston Police Department SWAT School, F.B.I. Hostage Negotiator school and a graduate of the 229th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Captain Ricks obtained his private pilot’s license in 2004 and flew a Maule MXT-180 while commanding the HCSO Air Support Unit. He is also a FAA licensed commercial UAV pilot, flying the DJI Matrice, Inspire, Phantom and Mavic Series of drones. He established the first drone program for the Harris County Sheriff's Office in 2016 and authored the first UAV policy. He also researched and acquired one of the first drone detection and mitigation systems currently in use by a United States law enforcement agency. Awards: 1986 - Honorable Mention 100 Club of Houston “Officer of the Year” 1997 – HCSO Deputies Union “Supervisor of the Year” Licenses/Certifications: FAA Licensed Pilot - Single Engine Land FAA Licensed Remote UAS Pilot TCOLE Licensed Instructor Organizations: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc. Fraternal Order of Police