TCI: DECR Hosts Training for Enforcement Officers

#Providenciales, August 9, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) conducted two weeks of training during the weeks of July 23^rd to August 3^rd 2018. The training was geared towards building capacity of enforcement Officers within the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources and was funded by the Professional Development Fund from the Deputy Governor’s office.

The first week of training was held on the island of Providenciales from July 23^rd to 27^th and the second week held in Grand Turk form July 30^th to August 3^rd 2018. Training topics included evidence collection and management, suspect interviewing and case file preparation.

The DECR has over 15 enforcement Officers tasked with the responsibility to effectively administer the various environmental protection laws of the TCI. These laws range from:

• National Parks Ordinance and Regulations
• Fisheries Protection Ordinance and regulations
• Fishery Limits Ordinance
• Coast Protection Ordinance
• Marine Pollution Ordinance amongst others.

Through the Government’s Professional Development Fund, the DECR was able to provide necessary training to all enforcement staff in an effort to improve enforcement efficiency and compliance by the public.

The completed training will significantly improve the quality of case files prepared by officers’. Their enhanced ability to conduct surveillance, collect evidence, interview witnesses and suspects will assist the department in reaching its objective to increase compliance.

The training was conducted by VPS Global Consultancy by two experienced and qualified trainers with over 20 years’ law enforcement involvement. Mr. Delbinder Mehat and Mr. Vijay Singh have knowledge of TCI laws through previous work with agencies such as the Department of Public Prosecution and Integrity Commission.

Officers who participated in the exercise expressed gratitude for the training provided, stating that it was very insightful; practical sessions and the pace at which the training was delivered allowed all students to fully grasp teaching concepts.