Government
Police History and Royal TCI Police Week
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2023 – Established in 1799, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands police force is one of the oldest institutions in the country predating the elected government and dozens of statutory bodies as well as all the other active armed forces.
The Force, currently celebrating Police Week, truly earned its ‘Royal’ title after guarding Queen Elizabeth II during her only visit to the Turks and Caicos in 1966.
In his address during the Police Church Service on Sunday, March 5th, Commissioner Trevor Botting spoke of the
“I could not have been more proud of the response of the Force and the individuals within it; when times got hard, the Force got tough and determined in its response. I want to express once more how proud I am and how proud the community is of your efforts and to say thank you,” he said to his staff.
Though officers now voluntarily enter the force, long before 2023 men were conscripted to its ranks to serve as Special Constables. This happened under the 1855 Police Ordinance. They would draw lots annually and were obligated to do duty at least once every three years. By 1894 the force had the uniform we know them by today and by 1964 the first female constable joined.
Now they number over 230 strong and are actively recruiting to increase their numbers. During this police week, the force is emphasizing community policing, an integral part of their crime-fighting strategy.
Already, a cross-country walk/run was held with residents participating on their respective islands, and following that community policing initiative, an open day is being held across the islands as well as a retired police officers luncheon in Grand Turk.
March 9th is Community Day across the islands, and the 10th is T-Shirt Day, where corporate entities and residents are invited to wear shirts in support of the police.
It ends with a bang on the 11th at the Force’s Gala Ball at Beaches Turks and Caicos.