20 officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) were sworn in as Constables in the neighboring Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to beef up that country’s fight against gang violence.
Four days after the announcement was made, the Bahamian officers travelled to TCI. They were deployed on the streets of Turks and Caicos one day after their arrival.
TCI Governor Nigel Dakin said Bahamian authorities rapidly expedited the legal work and planning to get Bahamian boots on the ground in the shortest time possible.
“All I need to say now is they have already made a difference. Some are directly inducted into our Tactical Firearms Unit, making one large joint team. Some are deployed as response units. Their dogs are able to attack or search and were active at the airport yesterday, supporting our customs officers’ search for guns and drugs.”
Dakin said they are “extremely grateful for what can only be destroyed as very generous support from our steadfast neighbor. Bahamas, you have been your brother’s keeper. Thank you.”
Jamaican and Miami Dade law enforcement have made similar offers to assist, according to the Governor.
Police Force Commissioner Clayton Fernander has suggested there could be a link between gang violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and local crime trends.
An American tourist was fatally shot while inside a vehicle in TCI last week. He was returning from an excursion with others when the vehicle was shot at during alleged gang activity in the Long Bay area.
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