RCIPS task force is tackling crime wave, Cabinet told
(CNS): Cabinet members and Governor Jane Owen met with Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne on Friday to discuss the police response to the recent spike in crime, particularly armed robberies, and were told that the RCIPS plan of action is already underway with the deployment of a dedicated task force and targeted patrolling of high-risk areas. In a message to the community about the sharp rise in crime, Premier Wayne Panton said that the CoP “reassured the government” about the course of action by the RCIPS.
Byrne also told Cabinet that measures included maintaining police presence on the roads and active community patrols, though it was not clear from the premier’s message how that differed from normal police activity, or if patrolling of high-risk areas was a change in procedure. The makeup of the task force was also not shared, only that it was “dedicated to investigating leads and leveraging intelligence to apprehend suspects”.
Nevertheless, in his video message, Panton said that as a result of this active response by the RCIPS, four men were arrested this week and a second man was charged in regards to the recent armed bank robbery.
Echoing Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart’s message earlier on Friday, Panton said that the Pact Government fully supported both the RCIPS and Commissioner Byrne. However, while the PPM leader said on Thursday that if his party were in power they would provide more funding for the police, Panton said the police had “indicated they have the necessary resources at this time”.
However, PACT and the PPM are in agreement that assistance by members of the public is vital. “The greatest tool the police have in solving crime is the cooperation from the community it serves. It is incumbent on every resident to play their part as our police work to apprehend those responsible. Regrettably, we know it’s the actions of a few that have negatively impacted the well-being of our community,” Panton said.
Stressing the resolution of the government and the police in tackling crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice, he said the RCIPS was “following leads in the recent incidents”.
The premier assured residents of the Cayman Islands that “crime will not be tolerated nor will it become a norm” and said there was “a zero-tolerance approach” to crime, though he did not explain if that meant all crime, including traffic offences, and all people, no matter their position in society.
Touching on the connection between poverty and crime, he said, “Need is never a justification to commit a crime, but where there is a need, I am proud to lead a caring government that is heavily investing in social programmes to support our people.” It was not clear if this “need” included drug addiction and untreated mental health issues, and unlike McTaggart, the premier did not refer to the rehabilitation of offenders as a way of reducing crime.
He said that Cayman was “known for its peaceful and crime-free environment”. Urging people to share what they know about the recent crimes, he said, “We cannot allow a handful of criminals to change our way of life and global reputation.”
See the premier’s statement below on CIGTV:
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
Law enforcement here is pathetic, incompetent, dysfunctional, and culture driven so it can not be changed without changing the culture. In other words not in our lifetime unless there is direct rule.
When do they plan on tackling illegal billboards?
I like the comment on the latest story regarding the spate of robberies. RCIPS mentioning to report stolen license plates.
If the law was enforced, there would be no cars on the road without both plates, and the RCIPS request would be taken seriously.
If you’re a robber, don’t steal plates, simply remove yours. Nobody will stop you!
Teslas, dump trucks, landscape gardeners and builders (particularly with dodgy illegal trailers) often have at least one plate missing/obscured.
RCIPS, please just enforce these basic laws, and you might end up catching some bigger fish too.
As a former government employee in a law enforcement role, (not RCIPS) it is of no surprise to those of us with experience that crime is now spiralling out of control.
Within my former department I witnessed, on a daily basis, blatant examples of endemic corruption, incompetence, and simple bone idleness that resulted in the total failure to enforce the law adequately.
Dysfunctional and inexperienced managers,(at all levels) a lack of credible training, bullying, racism, misogyny, corruption, dereliction of duty, self-interest and enrichment, and the list goes on.
Basic controls such as the management of government employees using publicly financed salaries, vehicles, and official influence for personal gain whilst they are meant to be defending our islands and their peoples against wrongdoing is one simple example.
Damaging, or the theft of publicly owned equipment, or procuring equipment without proper oversight are common issues.
If CIG cannot get to grips with the malignancy of poor performance, and possible criminality in their own ranks, how on earth does anyone expect them to clean up our communities?
At this present time, my former employer is shielding a number of members of their staff from public scrutiny. Just one example is of two individuals, (one of whom is of considerable seniority) continuing to hide behind annual contract renewals to remain in position, despite reaching retirement age some years previous. This not only enriches them at public expense, but is also denies others from career opportunity and advancement, and has seen an obvious advantage given to a former spouse as a replacement in a managerial role.
Or, the case of one of the same individuals being banned from driving for 12 months due to a failure to insure their private vehicle, but retained their position, (whilst on an annual contract) to supervise mobile patrol staff. A patrol driver was allocated away from their own government duties to assist the individuals mobility, including their private business, on a daily basis with the apparent blessing of senior management.
How was this allowed to continue for 12 months without official or public scrutiny of a government official?
And a final example of someone who has had at least three, individual, detailed, and credible complaints made against him, including serious examples of bullying, victimisation, racism, and corrupt behaviour, yet remains in position whilst the three complainants have been removed from the department.
Those concerned may read this, and should be paying strict attention, because the evidence won’t just disappear because they believe in their own invincibility.
The point is that no one confronts such nepotism or crass corruption of the system, and no one questions how this has gone on for so long without they themselves suffering consequences, that needs to change and I believe it will.
Until the media in Cayman starts investigating and holding these departments to account through public scrutiny, nothing will change and the law will continue to be treated by contempt by those charged with enforcing it. The evidence is there, now all we need is the political will to expose it. Perhaps someone in government would have the integrity to request this evidence in confidence and act upon it if found to be credible, but we shouldn’t hold our collective breaths.
“Sometimes, the cover-up and concealment of the truth can cast a darker shadow than the initial wrongdoing itself.”
Sounds familiar!
https://caymannewsservice.com/2022/09/anti-corruption-cops-under-hr-internal-review/
Are you sure weren’t in RCIPS because you’ve just described them to a tee? Add to that borderline illiteracy for some of them and bingo. Anyway, you win the Internet for this post.
As a former educator in the public school system it is of no surprise at all.
I know this department and what is happening there. For the good of all caymanians and residents who pay for this corruption this news needs to be exposed.
I heard good peoples were punished for complaining and cover ups usual.
Shameful.
A travesty! The truth will eventually be revealed, it’s only a matter of time.
We all already know Legge was right.
The police have a general apathy towards preventing small crimes, such as speeding. This leads to certain members of the population that believes that they can act a lawless manner. It’s a bit like weeding the garden.
This is spot-on. Inmates running the asylum.
Hahahahahahbabababababhahahahhabababha
Hahahhahahabababababababaa
They said they are doing what?
Hahahahahahbabaab
Reaping what has been sown for years of corrupt malpractice and mismanagement of our public services.
Corruption and cronyism has been endemic in all our government departments and this is now the result with high crime, daily robberies and murders blighting these islands.
Caymankind is just lipstick on a pig hiding the ugly truth.
Please bring in Direct Rule from the UK
The UK is so messed up…read the alternative sources of news.
“I know it when I see it” is a judicially applied threshold test in subjects that are hard to define but nonetheless cross a legal line. Obscenity laws are one such area.
In Cayman, we have no problem defining crime. Indeed, the laws are extensive. However, our law enforcement agencies seem to have a hard time seeing it.
Yes, tackle the crime wave by responding to reports hours later.
Put an end to the CUC price gouging crime wave, and the banks with their charges on everything, and crappy interest rates for those who want to actually save money. And don’t get me started on the property insurance companies….
Folks are going to leave en-masse if this continues. And it will only make matters worse for those who remain.
The biggest change in RCIPS tactics that I can see is the consistent radar check on Walkers Road recently. I’m sure ticketing all those lead-footed moms rushing to work or their coffee meeting with the girls will sort out the crime spree in no time.
Good. Breaking the law is breaking the law.
In the meantime, the RCIPS does squat about the locals weaving in and out of lanes and dricing 25 mph above the speed limit on the Esterley Tibbets Highway.
No radar or breathalizer checks from Rugby Club to Sunset House though dog.
This is a corrupt little territory where certain special people with govt connections or family members in certain departments only have to ask and magically their private driveways and roads are freshly paved or taken over as public so they don’t have to pay for paving or maintenance or installing utilities.
That’s just one example of how govt resources are typically misappropriated. The criminal activity in Cayman starts at the top and the powers that be have no moral authority where crime is concerned.
Pillaging And Corruption Team. Purloining People’s Money. All the same.
Bring back Pirate’s Week for the whole year! Better yet, make it Pirate’s Year every year. We might as well celebrate our heritage since we really haven’t progressed – or maybe we’ve just regressed.
Banana republic disguised as a luxury tourist destination and investment vehicle.
Next, tackle these electric bills. It makes no sense that we must pay for fuel and solar on top of usage.
It took the Opposition to raise the concern about cost of living before Wayne said anything about it.
It again took the Opposition raising the alarm about crime before Wayne said anything about it.
Better late than never I suppose.
You think prices are high now? Just wait until PACT implements its ill-advised Climate Change Policy.
Ever since it was announced that Kurt Walton would be in charge things have gotten far worse.
yeah, as a robber, I always check for the incoming CoP before committing my scummy crimes.
Stop being dumb.
You see Kurt Walton in the above photo? I don’t. You see CoP Derek Byrnes in the above photo? I do!
You get it now? Did you just get here?
Troll
In West Bay I go to Domino’s and the 24Hr Shops regularly. Or I did.
Over the years I may see a well lit Cop car cruiser roll by with the windows up. I have seen just a couple in recent weeks.
But no officer stopped. Or Came spoke to people. Or Handed our cards.
Oh. They still don’t have business cards to hand out!!! Essential Drop Cards!!??!
NO popo public relations or interactions – other than the weak predictable media circus show occasionally.
NO Public confidence.
NO accountability of the big drug n evidence disappearances for years
etc.
etc.
Mace, where can I buy some?
Anywhere except here; Mace and Pepper Spray and nearly all other nonlethal self-defence devices are illegal in the Cayman Islands. I understand that sticks and rocks are still legal.
This is why I keep a can of wasp spray next to my cash registers.
Machetes, too
Got one beside the bed
Changes to the Firearms Acts and Regulations are also necessary. Businesses now have to take more precautions to protect employees as they are responsible for employees safety. Revisions are also needed to the Securities Acts and Regulations and businesses may have to secure extensively trained Security Guards at establishments as these have been proven deterrents. It may know be time for electronic security monitoring which deploy law enforcement or armed security officers immediately upon trigger of the alarm. We cannot be sure someone may not be shot by a grieved robber if there isn’t enough to gain during the course of the robbery.
Surely you arent asking for more lax gun laws as a BOTC. Lax gun laws like America’s create murder machines.
Where John John thought? Working late at “The Office”?
Give COP Byrnes his silver watch, wave goodbye, and get Mr. Kurt full in charge. It won’t be immediate, but his works will be sure and steady, and within a year the new COP will have things well in hand.
Best joke of the day!
The superior gang leadership are all Caymanians and not at all impoverished, and neither are their buddy politicians that have their ear. Nor are the numbers loan sharks, drug dealers, and gun brokers exploiting giant border holes with ready supplies. All very comfortable. Our police try to spin a populist narrative that crime is fueled by poverty, and to stoke political xenophobia that it’s related to imported permit holders from Jamaica, or Status Grants of 2003, but neither is true. The published Cause Lists demonstrate that those arrested and charged are not only predominantly Caymanian, but usually repeat offenders and/or family descendants of criminally-associated surnames that go back generations. This is not a poverty/permit issue, it’s a corruption and unwarranted parole/prison capacity issue helmed by enriched untouchables.
assistance by members of the public is vital… BECAUSE they are admitting their incompetence…besides, why to assist if the catch then release?
The RCIPS have thick files on the known gangs and hierarchy but can’t take steps because of the political connections that sit on the Crime Task Force playing both sides.
‘Zero tolerance’? An abused and meaningless buzz phrase. At what point was crime tolerated above zero Mr Premier?
to discuss to discuss to discuss to discuss to discuss to discuss to discuss
everything is being discussed here with no timely and effective actions.
“crime will not be tolerated nor will it become a norm” How many politicians had said that over the years? Crimes against women and children won’t be tolerated…Alden, Tara, JuJu….and the list can go on
“Crime remains stable across deez tree islands” zZZzzZzZ
no respect for the police farce or waffler wayne after the jon-jon incident
Or Trainergate. Or the lack of investigation into any potentially corrupt status grants.
“RCIPS task force tackling crime…” Really! I don’t see a dam thing being done. If they were truly doing their jobs, the general population would be more inclined to think so.
Start hiring better people with skills and intelligence and rid the force of the incompetent and ‘I’m in it for the salary and the perks only.’ Then we might get some results whereby we see crimes in the CI going down.
Weak!
This is a textbook example of why the public despises BS politicians. All hot air talk with no substance or action.
Here’s some action points
1) hire top notch surveillance Contractors from USA or elsewhere to install quality cameras throughout the island
2) create distress “clickers” to be given to stores for fast action response to retail robberies. Install it under their counters in the stores
3) education every semester to youth by police officers on community and repercussions of crime incarceration taught by police officers in uniform
4) after school athletics programs for youth.
5) regulations reviewed on required security guards requirements at plazas and at bars / night clubs.
6) substantial increase monetary reward and advertisement for “tips” from the public on who the culprits are. For example $50k reward for identifying culprits in smash and grab robberies.
7) if select number of local police are proving to be incompetent then fired and international police hired.
My 2 cents worth.
1. Ensure that the training of recruits is done by competent senior officers with teaching skills
2. High standards /pass grades should be set and any one not reaching such standards should not
be allowed to continue,
3. They should then be transferred to the U.K. For further training and experience for 18-24 months.
The standards need to be upgraded. Policing can be a dangerous job, mediocrity should not be accepted. Their lives and ours depend on it.
LOL! If you enforced point number 2 there would be about 30 cops left in RCIPS.
Point 3 would break them. You don’t get a guaranteed hour for your break in the UK. Lucky to get a break at all now. And dealing with our feral shite would scare the life out of some of them. As for getting addressed as ma’am or sir….oh my aching sides!
1) it will be sabotaged
2)a fantasy
3) this is a joke…education starts with mother’s milk..too late when they are in schools
4)I thought it goes without saying
5)fighting crime with security guards? what a joke
6) never worked
7)it looks like they are all incompetent
It’s past time to query why there are two commercial worlds permitted in the Cayman Islands. Of course there’s a legitimate public one that is fully acknowledged (Ie. Financial Services, Tourism), but also an illicit opaque transshipment economy which the police and politicians quietly coddle behind closed doors, seemingly by mutual agreement. It’s notable that zero gang leadership have been arrested since Sheldon Brown in the early 00’s. The police have actually told us their instructions are to retain this crime and keep it stable! The public can’t be surprised when an expanding and protected dark crime world violently spills over into the public one. Such is the hazard of running two incongruous economic philosophies by successive corrupt regimes. This is also why Cayman faces scrutiny from the FATF, OECD and others.
How about also enforcing the immigration law? For example, why is the expatriate stapler thief still here?
They can’t staple the file together! It’s a genius crime.
Agree that these are ideal goals to work towards.
It should be pointed out RCIP have spent millions on the CCTV system. All of it with security centre and have zero to show for it.
Whos pocket is getting full to keep that money train rolling ?
I agree with everything mentioned except hiring more foreign cops. We have a plethora of foreign cops here not really seen as doing there jobs, so more is not the answer. They need better strategy and intelligence going forward. Also, your plan is much better than the premiers and the RCIPS. Just sounded like the latest sound byte.
It doesn’t matter where the cops are from, if the orders remain keeping crime stable.
Laughable.
All those people at a meeting telling each other what needs to be done.
Minutes will be recorded and distributed, but NOBODY will have been instructed what to do.
Ironic to see Kenny there..!
Campaign photo op
>$50k reward for identifying culprits in smash and grab robberies.
Because people waiting for trial knowing they going in won’t do this to help out a friend
This police SERVICE has forfeited years of public trust and confidence through chronic ineptitude, incomplete report taking, witness and victim betrayals, tampered evidence case dismissals, inaction, internal racism/cultural pass-giving, and habitual criticisms of the public they are supposed to be paid to serve. It will take years to earn this back. Being visible 24/7 would be a good start, if only in the commercial corridors and gang/drug occupied neighbourhoods where crime is a regular part of daily life. Opening eyes and showing up are steps 2 and 3.
Neighborhood policing works but for some reason, its not a thing here.
Get out of the station, get out of the car, and walk the areas and meet residents to build trust and relationships.
It also wouldn’t hurt to start pulling people over with windows so darkly tinted you can’t see who is driving, no front licence places, speeding, and every other infraction you see by driving for five minutes. These things are ALL against the law. Who knows, you might catch a few criminals. Oh yes, any unmarked cars? Everyone can see you when you are sitting at the Savannah school crosswalk – they slow down and speed up as soon as they are out of sight.
All that money to fight crime, they now asking for more and still cannot police a hand full of miscreants. What do they do all day? Oh yeah, they drive around in ac cars, threaten witnesses, search databases for the details of rival lovers, trap people in cars to engage in 3somes and killing innocent dogs.
RCIPS (Royal Cayman Islands PATHETIC Service
CNS: According to this article, which is based on the premier’s message, the police are not asking for more money.
When you dont read the article, just the headline.
When you don’t read widely and cannot appreciate that my comment is linking the current article to a recent one in which they requested additional funds to fight crime.
CNS is it not the case that in a recent parliamentary committee meeting they requested an increase in funds?
well we have nothing to fear now, the crime wave is under control.
Can Wayne not just give each of them 10 grand and have them sign an agreement what they won’t rob anyone for at least 6 months? Would be a lot cheaper.