Crime
POLICE OPERATION utilizes NEW Stop and Search laws
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, February 27, 2023 – The Royal TCI Police Force has for the first time exercised their newly
conferred stop and search laws which allow them to search any person on the islands without a warrant.
In a press release early Sunday morning they indicated that the powers had been called upon at the Versace nightclub in Providenciales.
Eyewitness reports describe the police swooping into the club around 12 am Saturday morning in significant numbers and several residents being escorted from the club; their cars being searched thoroughly and at least one being arrested.
The operation, about which details came straight from Trevor Botting, TCI Police Commissioner was rolled out to ‘prevent serious crime and detect those people who may be involved.’
Police say they were informed people with possible criminal connections were at the club and shared photos of at
least one person being led away in handcuffs. The ‘stop and search’ law (section 36 A(1)(a) of the Police Force (Amended) Ordinance 2022) gives the Commissioner power to authorize officers to frisk residents in anticipation of violence, should he suspect it is necessary.
It allows an officer to ‘stop any person or vehicle and make any search he thinks fit whether or not he has any grounds for suspecting that the person or vehicle is carrying weapons or articles of that kind’.
The operation was headed by the country’s newest superintendent Head of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection Superintendent Dean Holden, who said in that statement:
“Events of this nature have in the past resulted in incidents of serious violent crime. This policing operation was
particularly aimed at preventing and disrupting such incidents.”
Police have not indicated that they made any significant finds or arrests during the operation barring a quantity of marijuana.
Reactions to the operation were varied with some residents denouncing it and others applauding it.
***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 15th, 2024.
SHAIWANZO MISSICK of South Back Salina, Grand Turk, has been charged with six counts of firearm-related offences.
Missick, 30, was charged on July 13 after police officers consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The offences against Missick are:
- One Count – Discharging Firearm
- One Count- Discharging Ammunition
- One Count-Possession of Firearm with intent to commit a serious offence
- Two Counts-Possession of Ammunition
- One Count –Possession of Firearm
- One Count-Possession of Controlled Drugs
- One Count- Possession of Controlled Drugs with intent to supply.
The charges against Missick came following a report made on Saturday, 29 June 2024, following a shooting incident in Breezy Brae.
Officers obtained a warrant and searched the accused’s residence based on the information received.
The RT&CIPF is asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app from the Google Play Store or Apple Apps and share information anonymously.
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