Turks and Caicos, May 19th 2017 – Providenciales – Commission of Police, James Smith has confirmed that over 200 new persons from outside the Turks and Caicos have applied to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force. Commission James stated, “We’re beginning to shortlist these applicants to get the very best into the force.”
It wasn’t too long ago however, that the Police Force added more than a dozen local officers. These officers were trained locally and some also deployed as community cops. However, Commissioner Smith explained that adding trained officers from outside the Turks and Caicos would not only strengthen the present task force but also cut costs for local training grounds.
In a rebuttal, however, sources say that many local officers do not agree with this decision. Instead, the officers believe that once they are adequately trained and paid, they can get the job done. Lack of adhering to these demands have now sparked rumors of low morale in the police force.
In response to the rumors, Commissioner Smith replied, “I take responsibility.” Adding however, “but I share it with my top team too because you can’t be the only leader in this force. I’ve got more than 40 years policing experience and from the day that I joined this job, people have told me that morale is not very good. Nothing has changed.”
Nevertheless, the Commissioner is standing by the decision to get aid from across the Caribbean and beyond. He believes that the force is at “the forefront of continuous change” and this decision is just part of that change.
The basic salary advertised for the new officers is US$2,135 with allowances of US$1,070 monthly. The PDM Administration’s 2017-2018 Budget increased funds to Police to augment staffing.
Story By: Kay-Marie Fletcher
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