Crime
TCI Police Warn Special Unit Assertively tackling Child Abuse Matters
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.
***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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