Crime

TCI Police Warn Special Unit Assertively tackling Child Abuse Matters

Published

2 years ago

June 18, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, June 18, 2023 – Child abuse is on the increase in the Turks and Caicos and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is worried about the safety of the nation’s children at the hands of their caregivers. They made the revelation in a press release titled ‘Parents Beware’ shared with Magnetic Media Wednesday night.

Police Officers and the Social Services arm of the government have a front row seat to cases of abuse against minors in the country as all must be reported to them. The increase has now become concerning enough for them to appeal to the nation

“There has been an increase in the number of incidents of child abuse [and neglect]. Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers are being advised to desist from abusing children in any form,” they warned.

“Whilst it may be challenging at times for children to be obedient and compliant to instructions, resorting to abuse is NEVER an option,” the press release maintained.

Though no statistics regarding the increase were shared, residents are being urged to seek professional help if parenting is becoming too much to handle or if their child’s behavior is becoming too challenging to manage.

As for anyone who resorted to abuse they had this message, “The Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit shall investigate ALL reported incidents of child abuse and where there is evidence, the perpetrators will be dealt with to the fullest extent under the Children (Care and Protection) Ordinance.”

In a report carried by Magnetic Media earlier this year, statistics from 2022 revealed by the Department of Social Services exposed that: Seventy related child abuse cases were reported in 2022 of which twenty-nine (29) were physical abuse; thirteen (13) were child sexual abuse (adult-to-child); thirteen (13) were child in need or neglect cases; four (4) were emotional abuse matters, six (6) were runaway cases and five (5) child deaths.

Residents have a legal obligation to report child abuse you can do so by making a report at the nearest police station, contacting the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696, Department of Social Development at 338-4008 or calling 911.

Related Topics:#childabuseincreaseintci #childabuseintci #crimestoppers #magneticmedianews. #rtcipf #parentsbeware #SPPU

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Deandrea Hamilton

Crime

Guilty Plea from Dock Yard Man arrested for Firearm, Ammo

Published

9 hours ago

February 7, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, February 7, 2025 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male pleaded guilty to four charges today (January 31) following a
robbery which occurred in 2024. JAMES SIMON is expected to be sentenced on April 03rd, 2025, having been convicted for the following offences:

One Count Possession of Firearm
One Count Possession of Ammunition
One Count Robbery
One Count using a Firearm in the Commission of a Serious Offence

Based on the evidence presented before the court, Mr. Simon was arrested on May 02, 2024, along South Dock Road, where he was found with an illegal firearm.

Acting Superintendent in charge of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection Grantley Williams said, “Given the prevalence of firearm-related incidents, the Force has successfully removed one more illegal firearm from our streets. I applaud my officers for their vigilance and
dedication to their duty. I urge the public to assist us by reporting illegal firearms—if you have any information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or you can also anonymously share information via the Crime Stoppers P3 app. Together, we can make the Turks and Caicos Islands safer.”

Crime

Assault Charge

Published

2 days ago

February 5, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

Turks and Caicos, February 05^th, 2025 – A 50-year-old male will appear before the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court on February 17, 20225, charged with one count: SEXUAL ASSAULT.

Officers of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit charged STEPHEN LYN following a report of sexual touching by a 13-year-old female victim.

The incident allegedly occurred on September 24, 2024.

Mr. Lyn is currently on $5000. bail.

Crime

Threats to Police Officers

Published

4 days ago

February 3, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

Turks and Caicos, February 3, 2025 – A 27-year-old male who threatened to shoot a police officer has been found guilty.

KARONNO MUNNINGS, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was ordered by the court on January 28, 2025, to pay a fine of $2000 or serve sixty days imprisonment. Mr. Munnings was given until April 28^th to pay the fine.

Evidence presented to the court revealed that on Monday, October 28, 2024, at around 9:30 p.m., a team of officers was conducting routine patrols along Pete Close, Kew Town, Providenciales.

While interviewing two individuals, Mr. Munnings approached a police officer and started issuing threats by stating, “I will shoot one of y’all in the head any day”.

Mr. Munnings was arrested and subsequently charged.

Following the verdict, Head of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection acting Superintendent Grantley Williams said, “The RT&CIPF welcomes the verdict. Any threats of violence against police officers or law-abiding persons will be met with swift action. We encourage respectful interactions with our officers to maintain public safety, especially while they are engaged in their duties. Threats against the lives of police officers are a serious matter. Officers uphold the law, and such utterances during our duty are unacceptable and will not be taken lightly.”