TCI: Independent investigation (Police involved shooting)

#Providenciales, November 28, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – In regards to a police involved shooting incident that occurred during an illegal fishing operation on Saturday 24th November 2018 while at sea, an independent investigation is under-way and officers from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service will soon be on island to begin their investigation.

On that date, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch, supported by colleagues from DECR undertook an operation in response to potential illegal fishing near to Bush Cay, within the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Two vessels were intercepted and eight Dominican nationals were arrested in connection with illegal fishing.

During the arrest of the eight persons, one shot was fired by a Police Officer from on board a RT&CIPF boat which caused one of the arrested persons to received a gunshot injury to the upper arm. This person received medical attention and was later released.

Commissioner of Police James Smith said, ’It is routine to request the assistance of another police agency to conduct an independent, transparent and thorough investigation when there’s an officer involved shooting. Only through a complete investigation can we fully ensure that all of our policies, procedures and training were followed, and, if needed, any future training needs.’

Release: TCI Police