Crime
Soft GANG RECRUITMENT happening in prison says TCI Police
By Dana Malcolm and Deandrea Hamilton
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, July 2, 2023 – Magnetic Media recently reached out to the Royal TCI Police Force in an effort to expose the criminal gangs who do so much violent work from the shadows.
While the Force has declined responses to many of our questions or has given vague replies to legitimate queries, they did tell us one critical piece of information; small scale gang recruitment is happening in the country’s prison.
“Recruitment can occur in many different forms through the natural progression of younger siblings of gang members becoming involved to a simple association between individuals due to living nearby and building criminal networks. There is also some evidence that on occasion, associations are established within the prison and continued after individuals are released,” the police revealed.
It is a concerning wrench in the system which undermines the process of true rehabilitation; our news team wanted
to find out whether they had any idea how to stop new members from being sucked into organised crime.
“Work is ongoing to improve our understanding of criminal networks being established within the prison and bespoke disruption operations like Operation Pursuit will continue to be undertaken,” Magnetic Media was told.
In addition to this police say they :
- Have several initiatives aimed at preventing individuals and specifically young persons becoming involved in gang-related crime. For example, working with the Ministry of Education through the D.A.R.E. Program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).
- Are regularly undertaking other educational activity in communities and at local schools aimed at demonstrating the risks connected to becoming involved in criminality and specifically gang-related criminality.
- Are in consultation with the partner agencies about the use of the temporary Anti-Gang Ordinance which has been reinforced by the recent signing of the J-LEG (Joint Law Enforcement Group) which will facilitate improved collaborative working between agencies.
Despite this, police refused to identify the gangs and the areas they frequent once again leaving residents in the dark about where recruitment takes place for young boys; many of whom are at risk of being inducted into criminal activity before they leave high school.
It is a fact evidenced by the number of youth now before the courts.
***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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