TCI News
TCI: Unpopular fingerprint policy at Police Criminal Records Offices, rescinded
#Providenciales, March 27, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – You can keep your fingerprints to yourself as the TCI Police Force has rescinded a controversial policy where residents were forced to present fingerprints as identification in order to collect police records.
That policy, after only two weeks on the books, is now withdrawn announced by Acting Police Commissioner, Trevor Botting as suspended.
“However, the concerns of the community have been acknowledged and I have made a decision to suspend the taking of fingerprints whilst a review of the process is undertaken. I thank the public for their understanding.”
It is a success story for residents who stood up on social media and in news reports and in the House of Assembly to say no to the new measure, which is actually illegal and infringes upon one’s constitutional right to privacy.
The Police explained they were going by the books and Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance but at least two lawyers, Mark Fulford and Ashwood Forbes gave strong public messages, telling people to refuse to give their fingerprints to Police.
Forbes going as far as to say he would take legal action against the Force if the measure persisted.
The Attorney General told the Police to shut the process down and acting PC today said in a media statement:
“In response to these concerns, the Force has considered the legal advice it sought from the Attorney General’s Chambers and, has decided to suspend the requirement to provide fingerprints with immediate effect as part of the application process whilst the legal requirements are clarified and implemented as necessary.”
House of Assembly member, Royal Robinson on Monday championed the cause and called on the Police to end the policy.
The Police introduced the policy on March 11, 2019 and today explained the reason as “The integrity of the RTCIPF Police Record system is of national importance. The recent changes are designed to enhance integrity by using fingerprints as part of the identity check of the applicant.”
It is still expected that the police records process will still be more expensive as of April 1, 2019; a cost of $40.
#magneticmedia
#fingerprintingpolicyrescinded
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the
Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.
Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.
“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”
The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in
their time of need.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.
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