As we welcome the dawn of a new year, I extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The past year has been marked by significant progress in our collective fight against crime. Through the dedication of our officers and the steadfast support of our communities, we have achieved measurable success not only in reducing crime, but also in reducing the fear of crime across our islands.
We now proudly report:
- 43.5% reduction in murders
- 25% reduction in attempted murders
- 22% reduction in rapes
- 29% reduction in discharging firearms
- 29% reduction in brandishing unlicensed firearms
- 22 firearms recovered and over 500 rounds of assorted ammunition seized We have successfully dismantled major gang networks, with many accused persons now behind bars facing the charges laid against them.
In unfortunate circumstances where individuals chose to violently challenge our officers, they were met with decisive action and were neutralized.
Beyond enforcement, we have strengthened the human resources capacity of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force through both local and international training. We have deepened partnerships with the community, other law enforcement agencies, and social organizations to proactively police our spaces and meet the needs of our people.
Together, we are building a safer, stronger Turks and Caicos Islands
This success is not the end of our journey, but the foundation upon which we will continue to build.
In the year ahead, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will focus on strengthening our capacity through targeted training, professional development, and the promotion of deserving officers, increasing the staff compliment and strengthening the administrative resilience of the force to better serve you.
By investing in our officers, we ensure that our Force remains resilient, skilled, and ready to meet the challenges of modern policing.
2026 will further emphasize the importance of community policing and early community intervention.
We will continue to police our communities, guided by proactive strategies and intelligence-led decision-making.
Our community initiatives will be strengthened, and we are revamping and improving our intelligence-gathering networks.
Grand Turk, North and Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay, private islands, and surrounding islands, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force remains committed to making every community a safe space. Every citizen, resident, and visitor deserves to feel secure. For the New Year greater emphasis will be placed on forensic investigations and the use of technology in crime resolution. With the implementation of the Highway Patrol Unit, we hope to curtail road accidents, deter traffic infractions and encourage discipline on our roads. We will continue the strident fight to pursue gangs, guns and gunmen.
I pause to issue a warning to criminals. DO NOT challenge my officers when you are called upon to surrender. My officers will enter any community, at any time, as required, to ensure order and protect the public.
Members of the public, your cooperation and participation in this fight was vital in 2025, the sharing of credible information by the public has led to arrests, firearms seizures, and drug interdictions. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, and we look forward to renewing an even greater bond in 2026.
This year, the human side of the Force will continue to be on display. We are fully aware of our obligation to keep the public safe, and conversely, our valued citizens have an obligation to assist us in keeping their communities safe also. To do so, you must share what you know, always with discretion and self-preservation in mind.
Remember, the relationship between the public and the police is a crucial one: we rely on each other for the greater good.
Together, we will continue to safeguard our islands.
Preserve the peace and tranquillity which makes our islands Beautiful by Nature. I call upon each citizen and resident to remain vigilant, supportive, and engaged as partners in crime prevention.
2026 will be a great year for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
God Bless You.