TCI News
Legislation to use cell phone activity in criminal cases coming for Turks & Caicos
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island s- September 17, 2020 — Turks and Caicos is advancing toward new legislation which will give law enforcement the power to use cell phone activity, locations and messages as evidence in criminal investigations.
Head of National Security, Nigel Dakin, governor of the Turks and Caicos said the territory is actually lagging behind in the legislative framework which could bolster criminal cases and lead to more convictions.
“…this Territory stands almost alone in the world – and is certainly an anomaly compared to other Caribbean OT’s – and most independent Caribbean States – in not providing law enforcement with the ability to benefit from what is known as ‘Legal Intercept’; the ability to capture not just voice but also the type of data that modern telephony provides in terms of uncovering criminal networks or enterprises.”
In Jamaica, creation of their Interception of Communications Act dates back to 2002, with amendments made in 2013.
In The Bahamas, an identical piece of legislation failed to stand up in parliamentary debate and was shelved in 2017. Human rights attorney, Fred Smith, had argued the unconstitutionality of Interception Bill and called for possible modernisation of 1972’s Listening Devices Act in The Bahamas.
The United Kingdom in 2000 repealed and replaced its Interception Act with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
Like the statue in the Cayman Islands, the UK version outlines two basic things; the conditions which necessitate seizure of telephone or cell phone communication and the conditions which make obtaining this sensitive and private information illegal.
The Governor shared that the PDM Government Administration supports taking this legislation forward in the interest of cracking down on crime.
During the national press conference on National Security held Tuesday, the governor firmly expressed having the ordinance enacted will enhance police investigations and improve on the quality of evidence for criminal trials.
“This is a capability they cannot be without and the technical and legislative work – with proper democratic protections through warranty – has to now move forward at pace. We have this Administration’s, and the UK’s support, to take this forward – and we must,” said Governor Dakin.
***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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