Police expand recruitment drive to non-locals

| 09/08/2018 | 64 Comments
Cayman News Service

RCIPS cops on the beat

(CNS): The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is extending the current recruitment drive period and opening it up to applicants who have been legally resident on the islands for at least four years. Although the recruitment drive was originally for Caymanian and permanent residents only, Police Commissioner Derek Byrne explained that while the service still wants to see locals join up, he also wants to attract officers who can reflect Cayman’s diversity with language skills and other talents that could help support the police service. 

More than 80 people have already applied during this process, which the commissioner said was a good result, but anyone still considering applying and those who wanted to but were not eligible before now have another two weeks — until Friday, 24 August — to get their applications in.

“Our express objective continues to be the recruitment of Caymanians first and foremost,” Byrne said. “Only those places in a recruit class not filled by a Caymanian will be open to non-Caymanians. Through expanding the minimum criteria in this way, we will strive to represent some groups in the islands that are currently underrepresented in the service, while also adding varied skill sets, including language skills, to our day-to-day working capacities.”

From now until the new deadline, the RCIPS will continue accepting applications from Caymanians and those with the right to work with no restrictions, but will expand the criteria to also allow those legally resident in the islands for four years or more.

In addition to this requirement, there are educational, fitness, and background check requirements that form the minimum criteria for all applicants; a demonstration of a commitment to community service is also strongly preferred.

Clarification: The RCIPS has noted that the figure of 81 people referred to the number of applications they had received at that point from those who were eligible, before any screening had been done to determine if they were suitable. A local media publication mistakenly referred to them as “suitable” applicants, which has caused some confusion. The RCIPS release on the matter can be found here.

The minimum criteria and local recruitment application form can be found on the RCIPS website.

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Category: Crime, Crime Prevention, Jobs, Local News

Comments (64)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    So. They didnt process the local batch first??
    And why didn’t they Increase the age range if they really want locals?

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  2. Anonymous says:

    So they didn’t peicessvth

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  3. Savannah says:

    The UK don’t want Caymanians armed. It is simple as that. But God sent the iguanas. So hopefully Dennie Warren’s fight will be answered by act of God. .. lol

    However, the less Caymanians in the Police force, the better it is the UK’s Foreign Office. They more control they have on Caymanians if there should be a protest against them for grievances. The more negative excuses they come up with for not granting Caymanians key positions of power, the better for them.

    As well, it would be interesting to see how many expat officers already in the force they will move up the ranks in place of Caymanians.

    The new age is coming. And the FCO will have to address its way on how they deal with the BOTs. Its a masked colonial system that is very egoic in nature and looks out for their own kind.

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    • Anonymous says:

      I somehow didn’t get the impression that the pool which the Commissioner is targeting have much of a track record of commitment to things Caymanian. That really needs to be a key criteria. Otherwise it is really nothing more than an experiment and who knows where and how it will end?

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      • Anonymous says:

        How dare Alden preach to us business owners “hire Caymanian” goes as far as creating a new department, when they can’t even get Caymanians for the Police….

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    • Anonymous says:

      I can’t understand the problem here. Caymanians will get first preference. The last 100% caymanian recruit class produced a grand total of 9 who graduated. We can’t another class so small.

      Thank you Commisoner for giving caymanians an opportunity.

      Caymanians step up and apply.

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      • Anonymous says:

        11:32 am: you are very naive. As soon as you expand the field to include foreigners you immediately reduce the chance of a Caymanian getting the job. The nationality and residency criteria was there in the first place for a reason.

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      • Rod says:

        Really really!!!…..???

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    • Anonymous says:

      The Commissioner now has 82 candidates said to be “suitable” to fill a maximum of 15 positions. Now he wants to extend the deadline to get other applicants by changing the basic eligibility requirement?

      Something is wrong with this picture.

      Sounds like the old manipulating the system for favored persons. The old boy network in action.

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  4. Anonymous says:

    In which jurisdiction, other than the Cayman Islands, that you could be a guest worker for fours and become a law enforcement officer with no prior experience and your dependents have automatic rights to residency and free healthcare? Not in the UK, US, Canada or even Jamaica! Only in the Cayman Islands.

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    • Anonymous says:

      The only reason it’s happening is that locals aren’t signing up in enough numbers to fully staff the force. Or did you not actually read the article?

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      • Anonymous says:

        1:13 pm: I read the article— the recruitment drive has already netted more than 80 “suitable” candidates.

        The original criterion of being Caymanian or permanent resident was set for a reason. That no longer relevant? Now we are throwing that out? And what is the impact of that?

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    • Jotnar says:

      Actually in Canada you could immigrate to become a police officer, get permanent residence on entry, healthcare after 3 months, and then qualify for full citizenship as long as you kept your nose clean for 3 years and passed the citizenship test (as opposed to a minimum 9 years to PR and 15 to status here). But don’t let facts interfere with your rant.

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    • Anonymous says:

      There would seem to be not enough qualified locals to fill the positions. Not surprising really considering the number of people on island compared to the number of locals.

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  5. Anonymous says:

    Now we can have some REAL policing and not just “I Need A Job” cops

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    • not today bobo says:

      I guess all the expat police were doing such a great job they need more.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Sorry but the sea recruitment will take place. The majority will be Jamaicans as Cayman is Jamaica’s main employer and of course, there will be awoken Filipino, maybe a maybe one of two from UK (usually now one of West Indian heritage) and a Caymanian.

      So how about TAXING THE JAMAICAN government since we are keeping their people living in excellent conditions and (they can now surpass even the British here!), sending more money back there than to any jurisdictions and God knows our people have been brainwashed to believe they can replace the British with the same Jamaican leaders doing great things (***sarcasm) for their people!!!

      If I could bet, majority of every successful applicant will Jamaican residents or status holders…. they help each other secure jobs in the civil service. Caymanians will not even stop to question that if they make it possible to have a Caymanian governor and by then will convince Franz to retire, that a status holder can also then apply (unless our weak leaders stand up for us), and guess what, chances are there are more Jamaicans entering the civil service getting status ( mainly because of sheer number of their nationals make majority) and they will get their Jamaican governor.

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  6. Anonymous says:

    Locals don’t want to do the job. Plain and simple. If they did then the commish wouldnt be opening applications for outsiders. Duh. Is everyone really that obtuse to the situation. Or is it that people just love to complain and point fingers and cry that their own are unemployed.
    There are enough jobs on this island that no local should be unemployed. None.. you have to actually want to work though.

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  7. Born Caymanian says:

    This is sad! A shame! A disgrace! A travesty!

    Work permit holders who reside here for 4 years can now go up the ranks of our law enforcement agency (HIGHER SALARIES) and look down on us, mock, and laugh at us!

    This is a disgrace!

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    • Anonymous says:

      @9:50 True but why aren’t there droves of Caymanians rushing to pick up these so highly coveted opportunities?

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      • Anonymous says:

        Why the young man that wants to be a doctor given a chance? So many caymanians are turned down already ,,can’t we see we are foreign run with every thing, check the hospital …”God help us .

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  8. Anonymous says:

    A few years back, used to be the same, we had to be on Island a certain amount of time in order to apply, when I reached the required time, they changed the requirements for only Caymanians and PR, I could not apply for it for following years. I now have PR however, I have restrictions on it (totally understandable) and so I cannot apply, now a WP holder have more rights than I have? I Live here for 13 years and I cannot apply, a WP holder needs only 4 years and can apply? How can this be right? Can someone explain?

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    • Anonymous says:

      It does not say you cannot apply if you are a permanent resident with restrictions. That was before they expanded the criteria.

      Now, once you have resided legally for more than four years on island you can apply. It sounds like you meet that requirement so I would encourage you to do so.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Not really, I have contacted HR Dept. and it is a no go!
        In the application form, it states PR without restrictions. Once again, WP over PR!

  9. Anonymous says:

    Don’t care where they are from so long as they have a decent education. The standards are too low. Pay more if you need to, but we need better than what we have had.

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  10. West Bay Premier says:

    How do we expect to clean up the crime that is destroying the Islands by hiring new recruits that has been on the Islands for at least 4 years ? Will these new Officer be put through a variety of different background tests ? Now that they knows who is who on the Islands . I think that the new increase of Police Officers will only ad to the crime problems . If Mr. Byrne brought in undercover Police officer would be better money spent . The RCIP Department don’t new to be bigger with Officers that will be sitting around doing nothing . It need Police officer who are going to clean up the crime problems .

    With today’s technology , can you imagine two Police going to get a criminal suspect, and the other one texting and telling the suspect that the Police are coming for him .

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    • Anonymous says:

      And we have already seen how great we are in the department of background checking.

      That is another reason this is a very unwise plan.

  11. Anonymous says:

    Hopefully they will not invite any more from our Caribbean neighbour next door. Perhaps more English cops?!

    I know I’ll get a lot of flack but I call it based on my experience with both!

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    • Anonymous says:

      I have to agree. Hiring illiterate people isn’t the answer. Far too many from corrupt countries are finding their way into Cayman.

      This is a U.K. territory!!! If anyplace they should be coming from, it should be there!!!

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      • Anonymous says:

        Well said 11.01am this is a British Territory. Funny how Caymanians dont mind going to the U.K. with all their family and do not work and claim all the benefits of the U.K. because they are “British”. Yet they aren’t so keen on expats coming here and actually working for every cent they earn and not claim from this Welfare system. Hmm…….funny that!

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  12. Anonymous says:

    How can this be possible? Don’t we have an unemployment problem here? Why aren’t these jobs all automatically filled? Or do you mean to tell me that people need to have some qualification and the will to go to work? What kind of nonsense is that?

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yes there is an unemployment problem here. Unfortunately only small amounts of caymanians apply, and then there is the fitness exam, and a written exam.

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      • Anonymous says:

        And don’t forget the criminal background check… at least half of the 82 who applied won’t pass that….

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  13. Anonymous says:

    This is excellent news that RCIPS is able to recruit more well needed officers. The current crime rate is way above to what they can deal with.
    No doubt, there will be many posted comments from people who don’t agree with the possibility of any expats being recruited. What difference does it make? Caymanians have had plenty of opportunity in the past to apply for such posts and each recruitment drive has always been geared to this. As long as these officers show capability and willingness to work hard in a pressurised working environment this is an excellent career and no one should knock them whatever their race or culture. Every employer should embrace diversity and so should the general public. We are all Gods children and why should segregation be considered. After all, we don’t want to be shown to be racist do we.
    I know from past experience, being an expat Police Officer, that there is equal opportunities within RCIPS and each officer will be highly trained with the professionalism this Force has maintained throughout the years. I only wish I was young enough to return back to my post with the RCIPS.

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  14. Grown in Cayman says:

    Excellent idea! Now can the same idea extend to our youth that have lived in the islands for 4 years or more and are over age of 14 to be able to get part time and summer jobs at businesses across island.

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  15. Kadafe says:

    Pay crap….. get crap.

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    • Anonymous says:

      where should money come from to pay higher salaries? look at the job around the world, it pays crap, as do nurses, and first response. ALL vital yet underappreciated careers. it isnt glamorous like being a thief lawyer, accountant or doctor, so people stay away, all over the world not just the rock

  16. Upset says:

    Wow … so you have Jamaicans, Filipinoes, Hondurans, etc … that have been here as residents for only 4 years! And then giving them police uniform and big salaries – making more than an average Caymanian that is struggling in their own country to get a job, and “they” give them a dam hard time!

    This is just AMAZING! It makes me upset!

    Imagine, you drive by houses owned by foreign officers here on our soil, and we cant even afford a house because we make less than them!

    Notice what the article says, “Police Commissioner Derek Byrne explained that while the service still wants to see locals join up, he also wants to attract officers who can reflect Cayman’s diversity” – what the ???!!! I cant believe Im reading this! This makes me sick! Our Needs Department is increasing with helpless people and our MLAs seem to be watching the COP say such things! 

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    • Anonymous says:

      Caymanians have always had the ability to apply but the numbers aren’t there hence the need to recruit from abroad in the past. At least now they’re able to recruit from people who have already relocated to Cayman and made it their home.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Read the article you numptie. Recruitment has been open to locals already. If you want the job apply.

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    • Anonymous says:

      The recruitment was always opened to Caymanians, but they seem to not have any interest in that, so now it is open to the public. We definitely need more Police Officers here with the crime rate going up everyday, so I guess it doesn’t matter if they are locals or expats, they just need to do their job.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Since the spots are only open to foreigners if there are not enough Caymanian applicants who meet the criteria, I don’t really see the issue. The last several local recruitments have been Caymanian only. If there still aren’t enough numbers what exactly do you want them to do? Or would you prefer an understaffed police force? Better to recruit people locally who have some connection to the community than to bring in more overseas officers who have none.

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      • Observer says:

        I don’t know why so many commentators are saying that Caymanians did not apply. The article said that more than 80 had applied and no where did I see a nationality breakdown.

        And what language skills are being sought? Bi-lingual Officers? Is that going to be practicable? It is not as if we are going to assign them to a particular beat where we have mainly Spanish speakers or Philippinoes. That sort of profiling does match how we are organized population wise.

        So What is this language requirement and “diversity” about? Is he referring to English? I am sure the 80 can communicate well enough in spoken English, Otherwise, they should not have made the cut. For those with issues in written English require attendance at or set up in-house a suitable remedial course.

        Work with the reality within the time-tested criteria that were set for some very good reasons.

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    • Jotnar says:

      So why don’t the Caymanians who want the salary apply for a job with RCIPS then? Your argument seems to be that RCIPS shouldnt hure expats even if no Caymanian wants the job.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Newsflash: they tried to hire locals and it didn’t work out!

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    • Anonymous says:

      There are plenty well able caymanians for the job but THEY DONT WANT IT. You read in the news yesterday how the needs assessment unit says that the needs are through the roof. People need to get off their arse , apply, and do the job. How many locals unemployed?? Thousands. Well then step right up and apply. Quit complaining about the RCIPS and get involved. Make the change.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    Great move RCIPS. Perhaps some of you negative posters might sign up and be part of a solution instead of part of the problem ..

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  18. Leroy says:

    Here comes the flood gate for all the English bartenders and jamaican

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    • Anonymous says:

      Truly..sick and tired of being undermined in this country

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    • Anonymous says:

      yeah you know it all right . like we don’t have enough Jamaicans there already.
      I was arrested the other day and spent 2 nights in there lovely ice box. I encountered 36 people from the arresting officer to the judge . I meet 5 Caymanians in the process that was working for government 3 of them was police. 1 prison guard and 1 court office clerk. Now my uneducated calculation say that’s 14% Caymanian employed. something nah right bobo.

      There was two young Caymanians in there at the time one of them was dying to get to Northward Prison.. It really made me sad to see my young Caymanian brothers giving up to the system. He said its easier in prison than on the streets.

      Cayman gone bobo.. thanks to our political leaders for turning you backs on the youth while you fill you pockets

      no training schools
      no trade school
      no opportunity for the people
      plenty work permits

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    • anonymous says:

      Leroy, the only reason for this is that most locals cannot pass the training course, either not finishing it or flunking the final test. How many of our Caymanian unemployed have GCE passes in English and maths?.

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      • Anonymous says:

        2:58, I find that hard to believe. Given my experience (not as a criminal) in dealing with the “statements” that are prepared by some of the officers (especially from othe Caribbean Islands). Their grammar, and slaughter of the english language is just atrocious.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Always opening the flood gates to undesirables, with checkered board pasts. More Taxi and heavy equipment drivers on their day or night off. Only in the Cayman Islands.

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      • Anonymous says:

        . . . and White Collared snifly Foreign workers with Internet-generated fake Resumes that no one checks.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes… more jamacian, more bartenders and more illegals from all over. We moving ahead great ugh… every move is from bad to worst. What s mess!!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Read what he says and you can see that they don’t intend to hire a bunch of Jamaicans. The police service is badly understaffed (YES, it is, ask someone who knows before you type out a dumb an ill-informed response to that) and instead of importing officers from abroad who don’t have an understanding of the island and have a different style of policing, and probably cost more, better to train up people locally. This commissioner, unlike the politicians, isn’t afraid to do what makes sense.

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      • Anonymous says:

        8:13 am: I didn’t get the impression that the pool which the Commissioner is targeting have much of a track record of commitment to things Caymanian. That really needs to be a key criteria. Otherwise it is really nothing more than an experiment and who knows where and how it will end?

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      • Leroy says:

        I guess you applied!!!

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