The main law enforcement body in the Cayman Islands is the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). It is responsible for maintaining law and order across all three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
1. Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)
Overview
Established: 1907 (modern structure evolved over time)
Headquarters: Elizabethan Square, George Town, Grand Cayman
Jurisdiction: Entire territory of the Cayman Islands
Commissioner of Police: Appointed by the Governor
Reports to the Governor, who represents the British Crown
2. Divisions & Units
Unit
Function
Uniform Branch
General policing, patrols, traffic control
Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
Investigates serious crimes like theft, assault, and murder
Marine Unit
Maritime patrol, drug interdiction, search and rescue
Air Operations Unit
Helicopters used for surveillance, emergency rescue, disaster response
K-9 Unit
Trained dogs for narcotics and explosives detection
Firearms Response Unit
Handles armed threats and high-risk arrests
Traffic and Roads Policing Unit
Road safety enforcement, accident investigations
Family Support Unit
Handles domestic violence, child protection, sexual abuse cases
Cyber Crime & Digital Forensics
Investigates online fraud, hacking, and digital crimes
Financial Crimes Unit
White-collar crime, money laundering, fraud (important in financial sector)
3. Community Policing
RCIPS actively engages with local communities to:
Prevent crime
Educate the public
Build trust, especially in schools and neighborhoods
Each district has a Community Officer assigned to work with residents.
4. Police Training
Officers receive training at the RCIPS Training Centre
Courses cover:
Criminal law
Human rights
Community relations
Firearms and tactical skills
Advanced and specialized training is often provided by:
British police advisors
Regional Caribbean law enforcement organizations
5. Emergency & Reporting
Emergency number:911 (shared with fire and ambulance)
Non-emergency contact: Available by phone, online forms, or walk-ins
Community policing stations are located across West Bay, George Town, Bodden Town, and outer islands
6. Collaboration with Other Agencies
RCIPS often works with:
Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC)
Cayman Islands Coast Guard
UK National Crime Agency (NCA)
Interpol and Caribbean regional police forces
7. Recruitment
Open to Caymanians and legal residents
Must pass:
Background check
Medical and fitness test
Academic and psychological assessment
RCIPS offers career paths in:
Investigations
Aviation
Marine policing
Forensics
Summary Table
Aspect
Details
Main Force
Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)
Headquarters
George Town, Grand Cayman
Subdivisions
CID, Marine, Traffic, Air, Cybercrime, K-9, Community, etc.
