The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is the national police force of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean and northern West Indies. It is one of the oldest police forces in the world.
History
The RTCIPF was formed in 1799, when John Dunmore was appointed 'High Constable', with three 'Special Constables' appointed to assist him in maintaining law and order throughout the island group. They were named the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and have operated ever since.
As the RTCIPF polices a British territory, but is also geographically closer to the United States (US), it is influenced by both in style and practice. Examples include traditional United Kingdom (UK) type uniforms and rank designations (from Constable to Commissioner), and the use of US type police vehicles, such as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility.
Structure
The force is headed by a Commissioner of Police, and is divided into two operational divisions:
A Division – the islands of Grand Turk, South Caicos, and Salt Cay (3 police stations, plus the airport police post) B Division – the islands of Providenciales and North Caicos (6 police stations)
Leadership
The force is headed by a Commissioner, supported by a Deputy Commissioner. Each Division is headed by an Assistant Commissioner. A Superintendent is in command of each individual police station. There is also a small Tourist Police Unit reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner. The head of criminal investigation holds the rank of Detective Superintendent.
Specialist Units
There are several specialist operational units, including a financial crime unit. There is a marine unit, equipped with inshore and ocean-going patrol vessels.
There is also a tactical unit equipped with former PSNI armoured Land Rover Tangis. The tactical unit is commanded by a Chief Superintendent.
Support
As a British Overseas Territory, at times of crisis the RTCIPF receives assistance from other agencies, such as the British Armed Forces. This happened in the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, when the Standing Joint Force Headquarters Group (a tri-service support group of sailors, marines, soldiers, and airmen who support governments during crises) deployed to assist the police and TCI government.
Staffing
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has 225 full-time sworn police officers. In addition to this number, there are volunteer special constables, and also civilian (non-sworn) police support staff.
Rank Structure
The RTCIPF has a rank structure, that is similar to other British police forces.
Uniform
The RTCIPF is a uniformed police force, with several orders of dress for different duties. The uniform and rank structure mirrors other British territories and United Kingdom forces in its look and approach. All officers, below the rank of Inspector, wear a unique identification number (known as a "Collar Number" after British early policeman wearing them on collars of uniforms) on all of their uniforms.
Formal dress
The RTCIPF have many uniforms for different duties. As one of the world's oldest police forces, with strong historical links to British military and police forces, their uniform traditions are thus heavily influenced by British uniforms. Comparisons are made below.
'Whites'
The most formal order of dress for police officers is (in British Army use - No. 3 dress) the warm weather ceremonial uniform ('whites'), which consists of:
Males
White bush jacket or tunic with high collar and silver buttons and whistle on a chain Black trousers with double red stripe Black peaked cap with red cap-band and police capbadge White gloves (senior officers) Blue waist sash (senior officers) Black polished belt with metal clasp Polished black shoes or boots
Females
White bush jacket/tunic worn open at collar with tie and white shirt worn underneath, silver buttons and whistle on chain Black trousers with double red stripe or black skirt with double red stripe and stockings Black tall female cap with red cap-band and police capbadge White gloves (senior officers) Blue waist sash (senior officers) Black polished belt with metal clasp Polished black shoes or boots
On the epaulette of the tunic, "RTCIPF" letters are worn to denote police. Rank for Sergeants is worn on the upper sleeve area and on the epaulettes for senior officers (inspectors and above).
The staple item of a British police officer; the whistle on a chain, is worn and held between buttons and top pocket. Medals (if any) are worn on the left breast.